Life @ WHC - Washington Hebrew Congregation

Life @ WHC 

5772 

2011 — 2012

WHC Contact Information 

www.whctemple.org 

TEMPLE 

3935 Macomb Street, NW 

Washington, DC 20016 

Tel: 202-362-7100 

Fax: 202-537-1091 

JULIA BINDEMAN 

SUBURBAN CENTER 

11810 Falls Road 

Potomac, MD 20854 

Tel: 301-279-7505 

Fax: 301-354-3200 

Medical Emergency 

or Death in the Family 

Call Temple (202-362-7100), 

and if after hours, follow instructions 

Building Emergency, Temple 

Mohan Mistry 

cell: 301-648-1161 

Building Emergency, JBSC 

Mike Aguilar 

cell: 301-537-3120 

Listen-In 

Audio Access to Congregational Services 

and Programs from Home 

202-895-6333 

Memorial Park 

1380 Alabama Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20032 

Theddius Baskerville 

202-562-1807 

Religious School 

www.whcreligiousschool.com 

301-354-3223 

Early Childhood Centers 

& Primary School 

www.whcecc.org 

Rabbi Joseph Weinberg ECC 

& WHC Primary School at JBSC: 301-279-7505 

Edlavitch-Tyser ECC at Temple: 202-895-6334 

Garden of Remembrance 

14321 Comus Road 

Clarksburg, MD 20871 

Sheldon Grosberg 

301-428-3000

A New Year's Message from Senior Rabbi, M. Bruce Lustig 

“Life @ WHC” 

Dear Friends, 

In Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of Our Fathers, we find the statement, “Turn it, turn it, for 

everything is in it…” All of life, the rabbis say, is found in the study of Torah. For there 

is no aspect of life that Judaism does not address — from our earliest days to the 

twilight of our years — Judaism is rich and vibrant, providing us guidance and wisdom. 

Judaism embraces the totality of life, giving us the opportunity to pray, to connect, to 

grow, to give, to evolve and to join with one another for a unique journey through life. 

Each year we enter this sanctuary with hope in our hearts and with the possibility to 

renew ourselves and to begin again. The sound of the shofar is to awaken us to a 

new day, to remind us how very blessed we are to have each day to fill with new selfdiscoveries. 

Learning, growing, and connecting are not for one age or stage of life 

alone, but a part of who we are and who we can grow to be. 

The pages that lie before you are your pages of opportunity to “turn it, turn it and find 

everything in it” — pray, connect, grow — and find for yourself a new aspect of your 

expression of Judaism. Whether it is to simply share Shabbat services and a meal; 

to participate with Sisterhood, Brotherhood, Prime Timers, Empty Nesters, Boomers, 

4060 Connectors, 2239, Couples Club or WHECTY; to join in Wednesday Torah study 

or become a life long learner in our new Monday night WHC Academy or an evening at 

a fellow congregant’s home to share in a L’Chayim program; to take a Jewish journey 

to Israel; or to spend an afternoon cooking for the homeless — turn it, turn it, and you 

will find fellowship, learning, social justice, prayer and the fullness of life. 

I hope that the unique offerings in this book bring each of you many hours of fulfillment 

and that this New Year brings each of you and your family health and satisfaction. May 

we all continue to be blessed by our involvement in “Life @ WHC,” and may we go 

from strength to strength. 

Shalom, 

M. Bruce Lustig, Senior Rabbi


who's who @ WHC 

Clergy................................................................ 5 

Senior Staff........................................................ 5 

Executive Officers............................................ 6 

Board of Directors............................................ 6 

Auxiliary Presidents & Contacts....................... 6 

services 

Jewish Calendar................................................ 8 

Weekly Shabbat Services................................. 9 

Special Holiday Services.................................. 9 

Special Shabbat Services............................... 10 

Musical Shabbat Services.............................. 11 

Special Family Services.................................. 12 

auxiliaries 

2239................................................................. 14 

Couples Club................................................... 15 

The Boomers (New!)...................................... 16 

4060 Connectors............................................. 16 

EmptyNesters.................................................. 17 

Prime Timers................................................... 18 

Brotherhood..................................................... 18 

Sisterhood....................................................... 19 

Sisterhood's Fall Luncheon ........................... 20 

committees 

Friends of the Library/WHC Books................. 22 

Fistful of Shekels............................................. 22 

Israel Engagement.......................................... 23 

Kol Rinah......................................................... 23 

Worship & Music............................................. 23 

Member 2 Member & Greeter Corps............... 24 

Interfaith........................................................... 25 

Shalshelet........................................................ 26 

Youth Committee............................................ 26 

WHC Archives................................................. 26 

adult learning 

Amram Scholar Series.................................... 28 

Edlavitch-Tyser Family Relations Forum....... 29 

URJ Biennial.................................................... 30 

WHC Academy................................................ 31 

Lunch & Learn................................................. 31 

Back to Basics................................................. 32 

adult learning (continued) 

Shabbat Torah Study...................................... 32 

Wednesday Morning Study............................. 32 

Parenting Workshops at JBSC....................... 33 

Bereavement Support Group.......................... 33 

tikkun olam 

Social Justice Center Fund............................. 35 

Abram Simon School...................................... 36 

Carrie Simon House........................................ 37 

Caring Committee........................................... 38 

Community Issues/Social Action.................... 39 

Minds Matter.................................................... 40 

Mitzvah Day..................................................... 41 

WHC Mitzvah Mall........................................... 42 

SCRIP.............................................................. 42 

Contributions................................................... 43 

schools and camps 

Early Childhood Centers & Primary School... 45 

Religious School....................................... 46–47 

Chai-Lights...................................................... 48 

Camp Keetov & In the Beginning................... 48 

youth activities 

Junior ETY (New!).......................................... 50 

ETY.................................................................. 50 

WHC Winter Camp.......................................... 50 

Club 56............................................................ 51 

J.A.M................................................................ 51 

Junior WHECTY.............................................. 52 

WHECTY......................................................... 52 

College Student Connection........................... 53 

AIPAC High School Summit........................... 53 

travel 

Winter Trip to Israel for Teens........................ 55 

Summer Family Trip to Israel.......................... 55 

Musical Journey to Germany & Israel............ 55 

Israel Trip for College Students...................... 55 

cultural arts 

Concerts & Coffee Houses............................. 57 

Theater J with the DCJCC & WHC................. 58 

A Decade of Devotion..................................... 59 

Book design by Jennifer Millstone

Clergy 

Joui M. Hessel 

Associate Rabbi 

Rachel Benperlas, Assistant 

301-354-3223 

rbenperlas@whctemple.org 

Noah Fabricant 

Assistant Rabbi 

Marsha Humphries, Assistant 

202-895-6303 

mhumphries@whctemple.org 

Mikhail Manevich 

Cantor 

Katie Schubert, Assistant 

202-895-6309 

kschubert@whctemple.org 

M. Bruce Lustig, Senior Rabbi 

Layne Weiss, Assistant 

202-895-6307, lweiss@whctemple.org 

Susan N. Shankman 

Associate Rabbi 


202-895-6303 


Aaron Miller 

Assistant Rabbi 


202-895-6303 


Susan R.A. Bortnick 

Associate Cantor 

Katie Schubert, Assistant 

202-895-6309 


Education 

Rabbi Joui M. Hessel, Director of Religious Education and Jewish Engagement 

Rachel Benperlas, Assistant 301-354-3223 rbenperlas@whctemple.org 

Suzanne Klein Davidson 

Assistant Principal, Religious School, JBSC 301-354-3201 sdavidson@whctemple.org 

Stephanie Tankel 

Assistant Principal, Religious School, Temple 202-895-6338 stankel@whctemple.org 

Phyllis Shankman 

Director of Early Childhood & Primary Education 301-279-7505 pshankman@whctemple.org 

Fran Miller, Director of the RJWECC 301-354-3208 fmiller@whctemple.org 

Nancy Cook, Director of the E-T ECC 202-895-6346 ncook@whctemple.org 

Ira Miller, Director of Informal Education 301-354-3209 imiller@whctemple.org 

Administration 

Steven Jacober, Executive Director 202-895-6310 sjacober@whctemple.org 

Marla Banov, Assistant 202-895-6311 mbanov@whctemple.org 

Paula Smith, Director of Finance 202-895-6315 psmith@whctemple.org 

Mohan Mistry, Director of Engineering 202-895-6324 mmistry@whctemple.org 

Lindsay Fry, Membership Services Manager 202-895-6321 lfry@whctemple.org 

tive Officers Board of Directors Auxiliary Presidents Clergy Senior Staff Executive Officers Board of Directo 

iliary Presidents Clergy Senior Staff Executive Officers Board of Directors Auxiliary Presidents Clergy Sen 

who's who @ whc 

5 

rgy Senior Staff Executive Officers Board of Directors Auxiliary Presidents Clergy Senior Staff Executive O 

rs Board of Directors Auxiliary Presidents Clergy Senior Staff Executive Officers Board of Directors Auxilia 

sidents Clergy Senior Staff Executive Officers Board of Directors Auxiliary Presidents Clergy Senior Staff E

gy Senior Staff Executive Officers Board of Directors Auxiliary Presidents Clergy Senior Staff Executive 

rs Board of Directors Auxiliary Presidents Clergy Senior Staff Executive Officers Board of Directors Auxili 

sidents Clergy Senior Staff Executive Officers Board of Directors Auxiliary Presidents Clergy Senior Staff E 

tive Officers Board of Directors Auxiliary Presidents Clergy Senior Staff Executive Officers Board of Direct 

iliary Presidents Clergy Senior Staff Executive Officers Board of Direc Clergy Senior Staff Executive Offic 

who's who @ whc 

6 

Executive Officers 

Peter L. Winik, President 

Sherry Bindeman Kahn, First Vice President 

David M. Astrove, Vice President 

Cheryl Paul Baraf, Vice President 

Linda Eichelbaum Collier, Vice President 

Meg Jacobs Flax, Treasurer 

Ivan "Van" Sabel, Assistant Treasurer 

Nell Kilburn Shapiro, Secretary 

Faye Levin, Assistant Secretary 

Richard A. Newman, General Counsel 

Board of Directors 

Mildred Lehmann Amer 

Jeffrey H. Bergman 

Robert Burman 

Daniel M. Caplan 

Lauren E. Cole 

Carrie Coonin 

Todd Deckelbaum 

Mark D. Director 

Sharon E. Gottlieb 

Jonathan Greenblatt 

Claudia Helmig 

James A. Klein 

Auxiliary Presidents and Contacts 

Dan Caplan, Brotherhood 

Sharyn Nerenberg Glickfield, Sisterhood 

Jennifer Nannes, 2239 

Kim Zaikov Cooper & Brian Cooper and 

Alyson & Joshua Weinberg, Couples Club 

Rabbi Noah Fabricant, 4060 Connectors 

Wendy Cossman & Elaine Melnick, The Boomers 

Joan Adoff, EmptyNesters 

Louis Kornhauser, Prime Timers 

Jennifer Vise, WHECTY 

Dorothy C. Kornhauser 

Andrew H. Marks 

Todd E. Perkins 

Stephanie Posner 

Susan Rosenblum 

James Salander 

Albert H. Small Jr. 

Mindy A. Strelitz 

Suzanne Sunshine 

Richard Sussman 

Joshua Weinberg 

Jeffrey Weiss

services 

"For my house will be called a House 

of Prayer for all nations." 

Isaiah 56:7

ish Calendar Weekly Shabbat Services Special Holiday Services Special Shabbat Services Musical Shabb 

vices Special Family Services Jewish Calendar Weekly Shabbat Services Special Holiday Services Spec 

bbat Services Musical Shabbat Services Special Family Services Jewish Calendar Weekly Shabbat Servi 

cial Holiday Services Special Shabbat Services Musical Shabbat Services Special Family Services Jewish C 

ar Weekly Shabbat Services Special Holiday Services Special Shabbat Services Musical Shabbat Services Sp 

services 

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Jewish Calendar 

2011–2012/5772 

Rosh Hashanah Wednesday evening, 9/28 – Thursday, 9/29 

Services at Temple on Wednesday evening, Thursday 

morning and Thursday afternoon 

Yom Kippur Friday evening, 10/7 – Saturday, 10/8 

Services at Temple on Friday evening, Saturday morning 

and Saturday afternoon 

Sukkot Wednesday evening, 10/12 – Wednesday, 10/19 

Sukkot family programs: 5:30 pm at Temple on Wednesday, 

10/12 and at JBSC on Tuesday, 10/18; Sukkot adult program 

at Temple on Wednesday, 10/12 at 7:00 pm; Sukkot festival 

service at Temple on Thursday, 10/13 at 10:30 am 

Simchat Torah Wednesday evening, 10/19 – Thursday, 10/20 

Yizkor service at Temple on Thursday, 10/20 at 

10:30 am; Consecration and Simchat Torah service 

at Temple on Friday, 10/21 at 7:00 pm 

Hanukkah Tuesday evening, 12/20 – Tuesday, 12/27 

Service at Temple on Friday, 12/23 at 7:00 pm 

Tu B'shvat Tuesday evening, 2/7 – Wednesday, 2/8 

Purim Wednesday evening, 3/7 – Thursday, 3/8 

Service at Temple on Friday, 3/9 at 7:00 pm 

Passover Friday evening, 4/6 – Friday, 4/13 

Congregational seder at Temple on Friday, 4/6 at 6:00 pm; 

Passover festival service on Saturday, 4/7 at 10:30 am; 

Yizkor service at Temple on Friday, 4/13 at 10:30 am 

Yom Hashoah Wednesday evening, 4/18 – Thursday, 4/19 

Yom Hazikaron Tuesday evening, 4/24 – Wednesday, 4/25 

Yom Ha'atzmaut Wednesday evening, 4/25 – Thursday, 4/26 

Lag B'Omer Wednesday evening, 5/10 – Thursday, 5/11 

Shavuot Saturday evening, 5/26 – Sunday, 5/27 

Yizkor service at Temple on Sunday, 5/27 at 10:30 am

Weekly Shabbat Services 

Friday evenings 

5:30 pm, Lay-led Service 

This service is held at Temple and led by trained congregants. 

6:00 pm, Shabbat Service 

This service, led by our clergy, includes a sermon as well as opportunities for congregational 

participation through liturgy and music. 

Saturdays 

9:00 am, Early Torah Study 

Come study the weekly Torah portion with our rabbis and cantors. No preparation, special 

training or advance registration is necessary – only an open mind and a willingness to share 

ideas. 

10:30 am, Morning Service 

The Shabbat morning service is led by our clergy and may include special life-cycle events, 

including B'nai Mitzvah. This service includes a D'var Torah given by a rabbi or B'nai Mitzvah, 

music led by a cantor, and congregational responsive prayer. On mornings when no Bar or 

Bat Mitzvah will take place, the rabbi may use this opportunity to conduct a Learner's Service 

and explain different aspects of the service or liturgy. 

5:30 pm, Havdalah Service 

This service, held when there is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, includes all elements of the morning 

service with the addition of the Havdalah ceremony. Havdalah, which means "to separate," 

is a brief but moving ceremony that uses all of our senses to help us honor the separation 

between Shabbat and the rest of the week. 

Special Holiday Family Services 

The Jewish calendar provides us with several opportunities to observe as families important 

holidays with special, celebratory services. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us at 

Temple for the festive and family-friendly holiday services below. 

JOIN US: 

10/12 Sukkot – 5:30 pm 

Temple 

10/18 Sukkot – 5:30 pm 

JBSC 

10/21 Simchat Torah – 7:00 pm 

Temple 

12/23 Hanukkah – 7:00 pm 

Temple 

3/9 Purim – 7:00 pm 

Temple 

cial Holiday Services Special Shabbat Services Musical Shabbat Services Special Family Services Jew 

endar Weekly Shabbat Services Special Holiday Services Special Shabbat Services Musical Shabbat Servic 

services 

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bbat Services Musical Shabbat Services Special Family Services Jewish Calendar Weekly Shabbat Servic






services 

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Special Shabbat Services 

Consecration Shabbat 

At our Shabbat service on Friday, October 21 at 7:00 pm, we will call to the bima and bless 

all students who are beginning their Religious School journey at WHC. 

Veterans Shabbat 

We will honor the commitment, service, and sacrifice of those who have served our 

country in the United States Armed Forces at our Shabbat service on Friday, November 11 

at 6:00 pm. 

Jewish Book Month Shabbat 

We will celebrate Jewish books and authors on Friday, December 2 at 6:00 pm with a program 

that includes a dinner and discussion with a noted Jewish author. 

10 th Anniversary Shabbat 

Join us Friday, December 9 at 7:00 pm when we honor Rabbi Hessel, Rabbi Shankman 

and Cantor Bortnick as they mark their 10 th anniversaries with Washington Hebrew 

Congregation. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Shabbat 

We honor Dr. King's legacy and our commitment to social justice at a special Shabbat service 

on Friday, January 13 at 8:00 pm. 

Four Chaplains Memorial/Inclusion Awareness Shabbat 

Join us on Friday, February 3 at 6:00 pm when we remember the four U.S. chaplains — including 

Alexander D. Goode, a WHC member — who gave their lives during World War II 

to save military and civilian personnel during the sinking of the U.S.S. Dorchester. This will 

also be our Congregation's Inclusion Awareness Shabbat service during which we will focus 

on access and inclusion with interpreters provided for the hearing impaired. 

Confirmation Shabbat 

Recognizing the completion of their religious education — and those who facilitated their 

journey, we will honor our Confirmands as well as Religious School and ECC teachers who 

are celebrating their 18th year at WHC on Friday, May 18 at 8:00 pm.

Musical Shabbat Services 

Shirei Shabbat 

Cantors Manevich and Bortnick — joined by 

Kol Rinah (the Temple's adult choir), our 

Temple Youth Choir and a live instrumental 

band — offer congregants the opportunity 

to enjoy Shabbat in an innovative way. 

Through the generosity of the Marianne 

and Leon Minkoff Music Fund, a CD of the 

service music is available to all WHC members. 

Contemporary Shabbat 

Intimate, contemporary and participatory 

Shabbat services held approximately 

once a month and led by 

either Rabbi Fabricant or Rabbi Miller 

who will incorporate folk and/or contemporary 

guitar music to lead the 

Congregation in song. 

JOIN US: 

JOIN US: 

6:00 pm at Temple on the following dates: 

October 28 March 30 

November 25 April 27 

January 27 May 25 

February 24 


Abe and Irene Pollin Music Program Initiative 

November 18 January 20 March 16 

December 16 February 17 

Washington Hebrew Congregation is pleased to present a new series of monthly musical 

Shabbat services, concerts and performances, thanks to a generous gift from the Pollin family. 

The Abe and Irene Pollin Music Program Initiative will not only provide a broad range of 

special musical events, but will also enhance our Shabbat worship experience with a monthly 

service that features our cantors, as well as a new and meaningful musical component. 

Irene Pollin, who has had a lifelong love for music, conceived of this Initiative as a tribute to 

her husband Abe, who died in 2009. She says the joy she found in music as a child learning 

to play an instrument was something she came to share with Abe, as together they explored 

the beauty of the music of the world. The spiritual power of music to heal the soul has been 

an inspiration to her, Mrs. Pollin says, and she hopes her gift will expand its reach throughout 

the Congregation. 

Beginning on Friday, October 28 at 6:00 pm with an enhanced Shirei Shabbat, the Initiative 

will continue on Friday, November 4 with an exciting opportunity to hear scholar and pianist 

Jascha Nemtsov presenting works of the late Jewish composer, Lazare Saminsky. 

Some of our later programs will feature jazz pianist and contemporary Jewish composer, 

Josh Nelson; playwright, singer and composer, Danny Maseng; flutist Mattan Klein and his 

band; and Gerard Edery, with his band, showcasing Sephardic folk music. In addition to their 

participation in Shabbat services, Danny Maseng will appear in a cabaret-style concert, and 

Josh Nelson will entertain in a coffee house setting. 

Further information about these special events will be published in the Journal and weekly 

e-newsletter. 

cial Holiday Services Special Shabbat Services Musical Shabbat Services Special Family Services Jew 

endar Weekly Shabbat Services Special Holiday Services Special Shabbat Services Musical Shabbat Servic 

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Special Family Services 

Tot & Religious School Family Shabbat Services 

Tot Shabbat and Havdalah 

Several times during the year our rabbis lead a fun and interactive service designed for 

families with young children up to the age of five but open to all. The service — through guitar 

music, singing and storytelling — teaches Jewish traditions, prayers and rituals. We hope you, 

your family and friends will join us. 

JOIN US: 

For services with Rabbis Shankman and Fabricant at JBSC and Temple: 

Friday Shabbat 

5:00 pm at Temple 

Religious School Shabbat Services and Dinners 

Throughout the year, our Religious School sponsors Friday night Shabbat services and dinners 

for students in grades 2–5 and their families. These services, created by and for the 

Religious School students are led by Rabbi Hessel, Audrey Katz (our Religious School Music 

Director), and the Religious School students themselves. Please mark your calendars to 

share in our children's special Shabbat services. 

JOIN US: 

Friday Shabbat 

6:00 pm at JBSC 

Saturday Havdalah 

4:00 pm at JBSC 

October 28 November 4 December 10 (Hanukkah) 

January 27 December 2 February 4 

February 24 January 6 

April 27 March 2 

May 4 

June 1 

Each service will begin at 6:00 pm at the location listed. Shabbat dinners 

follow the services for the host students and their families. 

10/21 Consecration 

1/6 7th grade sleepover at Temple 

1/20 Family service hosted by JBSC 2nd grade at JBSC 

1/27 Family service hosted by Macomb 2nd grade at Temple 

2/24 5th grade Shabbaton at Temple 

3/9 Family Purim service hosted by entire 4th grade at Temple 

4/27 Family service hosted by entire 3rd grade at Temple

auxiliaries 

Rabbi Hillel taught, "Do not separate 

yourself from the community." 

Pirke Avot 2:5

9 Couples Club The Boomers 4060 Connectors EmptyNesters Prime Timers Brotherhood Sisterhood Sisterhoo 

Luncheon 2239 Couples Club The Boomers 4060 Connectors EmptyNesters Prime Timers Brotherho 

erhood Sisterhood's Fall Luncheon 2239 Couples Club The Boomers 4060 Connectors EmptyNesters Pri 

ers Brotherhood Sisterhood Sisterhood's Fall Luncheon 2239 Couples Club The Boomers 4060 Connect 

tyNesters Prime Timers Brotherhood Sisterhood Sisterhood's Fall Luncheon 2239 Couples Club The Boom 

auxiliaries 

14 

2239 

Connecting Young Jewish Professionals in the DC Area 

Are you between the ages of 22-39 

and interested in meeting and connecting with other Jews 

Then join 2239! We are young Jewish professionals (22–39 years 

old) who get together for social, community service, religious, and 

cultural events. Guided by a steering committee, led by Jennifer 

Nannes, who is on the Washington Hebrew Congregation 

Board of Directors, this dynamic group of young people has the 

support of Rabbis Fabricant and Miller as well as Stacey Black, 

Assistant Director of Youth & Young Adult Programs. 

We welcome both Temple members and non-members to join 

us for services and events. If you or someone you know is interested 

in learning more about 2239, sign up for our email list and 

“like” us on Facebook to get the most up-to-date information. 

JOIN US: 

9/28 2239 Erev Rosh Hashanah Service (8:45 pm) 

9/29 Congregational Rosh Hashanah Morning Service 

(9:00 am) 

10/7 2239 Kol Nidre Service (8:45 pm) 

10/8 Congregational Yom Kippur Morning Service (9:00 am) 

2239 Yom Kippur Afternoon, Memorial & Neilah Services 

(beginning at 4:00 pm), Followed by Break-Fast 

10/15 Sukkah Hop 

11/3 Happy Hour 

11/18 Veteran's Day Shabbat Service and 2239 Dinner 

Nov/Dec Study Session with Rabbi Fabricant 

Dec Hanukkah Happy Hour on the Hill 

1/13 MLK, Jr. Shabbat Service and Dinner at Temple 

1/16 MLK, Jr. Work Day 

2/3 2239 Shabbat Dinner 

2/2 Happy Hour 

3/3 4th Annual Purim Masquerade Ball 

3/20 Cooking Class 

4/6 Seder 

4/22 Mitzvah Day 

5/2 Yom Ha'Atzmaut Program 

5/19 Havdalah Hike 

LEARN MORE & FIND US: 

Facebook: "2239WHC" 

Jennifer Nannes, Chair 

jnannes1@aol.com 

Join our email list: 

Stacey Black 

sblack@whctemple.org 

301-354-3217

Couples Club 

WHC's Auxiliary for Couples in Their 20s, 30s & 40s 

The WHC Couples Club is a place where couples in their 20s to 40s can celebrate their Judaism 

inside and outside of Temple. All year long we provide opportunities for learning, fun and 

community service — all with an emphasis on creating new connections and strengthening 

existing ones. 

Our members range from newly-married couples just starting their lives together to longstanding 

couples raising children. Our diversity of age and experience means special moments 

of sharing, learning, and personal and professional mentoring. It's never too early or 

late in the life of a couple to connect with wonderful friends. 

We have planned outstanding programs for the coming year — enjoy a caffeine and music 

buzz at a Jewish music coffeehouse, wine and dine at one of our legendary wine-tasting 

events, and enjoy an intimate and intellectually stimulating gathering at "Torah for Two." 

Wherever your interests lie, we offer an activity that will appeal to you! 

Led by Alyson & Joshua Weinberg and Kim & Brian Cooper and, under the clergy leadership 

of Rabbi Susan Shankman and her husband, Rabbi Michael Namath, WHC Couples Club 

has so much to offer. They only thing missing is you! To ensure you don’t miss an event, find 

us on Facebook and contact Marsha Humphries (below) to join our e-mail list. 

JOIN US: 

10/13 Dessert in the Sukkah 

11/3 "Wine & Dine" Wine Tasting 

12/10 Hanukkah Celebration 

1/7 Java & Jams with Josh Nelson 

1/26 Dinner Club 

2/17 Torah for Two — Friday Night 

Services & Dinner 

3/3 Dinner in the District 

4/17 Post-Passover Pizza Party 


Facebook: "WHC Couples Club" 

Kim & Brian Cooper, Co-Chairs 

kzaikov@gmail.com 

240-463-6804 

Alyson & Joshua Weinberg, Co-Chairs 

alysonweinbergconsulting@gmail.com 

240-671-2449 

Marsha Humphries 


202-895-6303 

ers Brotherhood Sisterhood Sisterhood's Fall Luncheon 2239 Couples Club The Boomers 4060 Connecto 

tyNesters Prime Timers Brotherhood Sisterhood Sisterhood's Fall Luncheon 2239 Couples Club The Boome 

auxiliaries 

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erhood Sisterhood's Fall Luncheon 2239 Couples Club The Boomers 4060 Connectors EmptyNesters Prim






auxiliaries 

16 

The Boomers (New!) 

An Auxiliary for the Baby Boom Generation 

If you are a member of one of the largest demographic groups in the United States — the baby 

boom generation — then you will want to join the Boomers, an offshoot of WHC's EmptyNesters 

auxiliary. 

Boomers will provide a wonderful opportunity to widen your social network and meet other 

members of WHC. We are currently forming this new group and invite you to participate in 

our development. Under the leadership of Cantor Mikhail Manevich, the Boomers planning 

committee has come up with many ideas, and we welcome your involvement and input. 

You may wonder if you can be a member of more than one WHC auxiliary. Absolutely! 

Whether you are single, married, partnered, divorced or widowed, with kids or without, all are 

welcome. Come give us a try! 

JOIN US: 

10/23 An evening of wine tasting, 

specializing in the hottest 

up-and-coming wine regions 

of the world 

11/18 Shabbat dinner at 

members' homes 

1/29 Dine & Dance (with lessons) 

at JBSC 

Still in Development: 

Theater, the Barns at Wolf Trap, movies, lunches, boat rides, 

political and generation-related discussions, and more! 

4060 Connectors 

For Singles 40–60 Years Old 

Last year marked the launch of WHC's first auxiliary 

for singles between the ages of 40 and 60. 

Open to both members and non-members, 4060 

Connectors had several events last year, including 

a wine tasting, bowling night, happy hour, and 

professional magic show. 

We are planning a variety of exciting and fun activities, 

and the opportunity to meet new people in 

informal settings. Contact us to add your name to 

our email list. 

LEARN MORE: 

Planning Committee: 

Wendy Cossman, wendycossman@gmail.com 

Shari Director, cantrlope@aol.com 

Debbie Lessans, debbielessans@yahoo.com 

Elaine Melnick, elaine.melnick@comcast.net 

Karen Winokur, peppywinokur@verizon.net 

Katie Schubert 

kschubert@whctemple.org, 202-895-6309 

LEARN MORE: 

Rabbi Noah Fabricant, Liaison 

nfabricant@whctemple.org 



202-895-6303

EmptyNesters 

Connect with Active Adults in Their 60s & 70s 

The EmptyNesters auxiliary was formed over 15 years ago by Rabbi Weinberg and a 

group of wonderfully energetic people who saw the need for creating an extended family 

at WHC for members like us. We are a group — made up of couples and singles — who 

enjoy each other's company and a wide variety of activities coordinated by our co-chairs 

and planning committee. 

Our past and current events include: 

• Retreats and discussions with clergy, outside speakers and book reviewers; 

• Concerts and theater, including National Theater, Kennedy Center, Strathmore, 

and Theater J; 

• World and local travel, including the Baltics, Jewish Italy and historical Jewish Washington, 

DC and Baltimore; 

• Local DC events, including movies, winery trips and art museum tours; 

• Special events, such as our Havdalah & Dinner programs and "Meet the Press" 

Sunday bagel discussions; 

• Service for the Temple, including ushering at Shirei Shabbat services and packaging 

food for the Global Hunger Foundation; 

• Community service, including WHC Mitzvah Day and our special charity, 

N Street Village in DC; and 

• Special dinners at WHC, such as pre-Selichot, break-the-fast, and second night 

Seder as well as Shabbat dinners in members' homes where we can join together 

to connect informally. 

WHO ARE WE 

The Empty Nesters is a 

diverse group where age is a 

self-limiting condition, which 

we tend to ignore. 

Whether or not you have 

children is irrelevant. It's our 

life experiences and desire to 

be part of the same community 

that brings us together. We 

invite you to join us. 

JOIN US: 

Look for our calendar of events 

in our newsletter, Snippets, or on 

our website. 


www.emptynester.org 

Joan Adoff & Marcia Weinberg 

Co-Chairs: info@emptynester.org 

To receive our monthly newsletter, Snippets: 



202-895-6309 



auxiliaries 

17 









auxiliaries 

18 

Prime Timers 

For Men & Women in Their Senior Years 

The aim of Prime Timers is to enrich the lives of congregants and non-congregants in the 

larger DC community through fellowship, intellectual stimulation and the improvement of 

physical health and well-being. 

Prime Timers' programs include book discussions with authors, film presentations, musical 

events, community singing, low-intensity “arm chair” exercises and field trips to cultural, 

historical and religious sites via deluxe motor coach. We also encourage Prime Timers 

members to participate in the Temple’s dynamic Torah study groups and to attend WHC’s 

spiritually uplifting Friday night services. 

Prime Timers welcomes both WHC congregants and non-congregants as members. Annual 

dues are $10 for Temple members and $15 for non-members. 

We notify our members of programs and events through the Journal, in special mailings, and 

in the Upcoming Events portion of This Week, which is available at Shabbat services. 

JOIN US: 

Fall Luncheons and Programs: 

October 17, November 21, and December 

19, and possibly a trip to the Smithsonian 

Institute to see their fantastic gem collection. 

Save these dates in 2012: 

March 19, April 16, May 21, and June 18 

Brotherhood 

Connect with Men of All Ages 

Washington Hebrew Congregation’s Brotherhood offers opportunities for friendship, spiritual 

growth, networking, volunteering and discussing topics relevant to Jewish men. Brotherhood’s 

mission is comprised of the Three S’s: service to our Temple and community, spirituality as 

Reform Jewish men, and social connections with each other and our families. 

LEARN MORE: 

Rabbi Noah Fabricant, Liaison 

nfabricant@whctemple.org 



202-895-6303 

LEARN MORE: 

Louis Kornhauser, President 

301-718-2524 



202-895-6303 

JOIN THE SOFTBALL TEAM: 

The Washington Hebrew Nationals 

Suburban Maryland Synagogue Men's 

Softball League 2011 Champions 

Interested and experienced players contact 

Craig Lukin, cllukin@hotmail.com.

Sisterhood 

The Award-Winning Auxiliary for Women of ALL Ages 

We are the women of WHC at every age and stage of life who come together for friendship 

and service to WHC and our community. Through our dues and fundraising, we support 

countless causes: from projects at the ECC, our Religious School and throughout Temple; to 

groups like JSSA, JFGH and the Carrie Simon House; to collecting prom wear for DC high 

schoolers, books for the Abram Simon School and safe playgrounds for children in Israel." 

Every woman of WHC Sisterhood makes a difference, whether she: 

• pays her dues each year even if she’s too busy to come to meetings… 

• wants to stay connected with her “mom” friends from the ECC… 

• comes to our luncheons for our speakers and the social atmosphere… 

• enjoys the camaraderie of mah jongg, bridge and book discussions and helping send 

packages to our college students at holidays… 

• was active in Sisterhood for years but moved away and now connects virtually… 

• cooks for the homeless each month and volunteers at the Jewish Foundation for Group 

Homes…or 

• joins because her mother asked her to — l’dor v’dor… 

If you are a woman of WHC, join us: WHC Sisterhood annual dues are $45. Then, find your 

place with us — whether you volunteer, take on a leadership role or simply make your contribution 

knowing that your dues combined with hundreds of others will do more for our community 

than any $45 donation you may make on your own. 

FALL CALENDAR: 

10/10 Sukkah Decorating, JBSC & Temple 

10/28 Literary Club 

10/17 Board Meeting 

10/24 Fall Luncheon 

featuring Norah O'Donnell 

(see page 20) 

11/2 Cooking for 

the Homeless 

SAVE THE DATE: 

December 4 – 6 at JBSC 

25th Annual 

Holiday Boutique 

& Silent Auction 


whcsisterhood.org 

Sharyn Nerenberg Glickfield, President 

whcsisterhood@gmail.com, 301-938-0656 

Darian Drescher, Membership VP 

dldrescher@hotmail.com, 301-657-6228 

Phyllis Slavin, Membership VP 

phyllis_slavin@yahoo.com, 301-929-1148 


mhumphries@whctemple.org, 202-895-6303 



auxiliaries 

19 









auxiliaries 

20 

Sisterhood's Fall Luncheon 

A Morning with Norah O'Donnell 

WHC Sisterhood invites you to join us for our annual Fall Luncheon on 

Monday, October 24, at 10:30 am at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center. 

Our kick-off event for the 2011 – 2012 season is a time for women to 

socialize and connect. This year we are pleased to have Norah O’Donnell, 

Chief White House Correspondent for CBS News, principal substitute anchor 

for Face the Nation, and contributor for the award-winning 60 Minutes, 

join us to discuss “Breaking News” and “Balancing Work and Family.” 

JOIN US: 

Monday, October 24 

10:30 am at JBSC 

Complete and return your 

RSVP from below 

RSVP BY OCTOBER 13: 

QUESTIONS: 

Bonnie Youngentob 

byoungentob@ayallc.com 

301-424-4526 

Norah O'Donnell 

Name: _________________________________________________________________ 

Email address: __________________________________________________________ 

Home phone:_____________________________ Cell phone:______________________ 

Guest(s) name(s): _______________________________________________________ 

Seating requests: ________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

Early Bird pricing for members and guests prior to October 5: 

______ Number of Early Bird RSVPs x $50 each = 

$_ _____________ 

Regular pricing after October 5: 

______ Number of Sisterhood members x $55 each = 

______ Number of guests x $60 each = 

$_ _____________ 

$_ _____________ 

Preferred pricing, regardless of date, for Sisterhood members over age 80: 

______ Number of Sisterhood members over age 80 x $40 each = $_ _____________ 

Join Sisterhood! WHC Members, $45; non-WHC members, $65 = $ 

Total amount enclosed = $_ _____________ 

Please return this form with your check payable to WHC Sisterhood to: 

WHC Sisterhood/Jennifer Weinberg 

10 LeHavre Court 

Potomac, MD 20854

committees 

"It is not up to you to finish the task, 

but you are not free to desist from it." 

Pirke Avot 2:16

nds of the Library/WHC Books Fistful of Shekels Israel Engagement Kol Rinah Worship & Music Member 2 Memb 

eter Corps Interfaith Shalshelet Youth Committee WHC Archives Friends of the Library/WHC Books Fist 

hekels Israel Engagement Kol Rinah Worship & Music Member 2 Member Greeter Corps Interfaith Shalshe 

th Committee WHC Archives Friends of the Library/WHC Books Fistful of Shekels Israel Engagement 

ah Worship & Music Member 2 Member Greeter Corps Interfaith Shalshelet Youth Committee WHC Archiv 

committees 

22 

Friends of the Library/WHC Books 

Volunteer in WHC's Libraries; Join WHC's Book Group 

Friends of the Library are bibliophiles and volunteers who provide invaluable support to 

one of the most outstanding Judaica collections in the Washington area. Volunteers assist in 

the libraries at Temple and JBSC by performing a variety of tasks. As a Friend of the Library, 

you are encouraged to borrow books from the collection, attend library programs, and make 

donations to the library. WHC's libraries have received an Advanced Level Certificate of Accreditation 

from the Association of Jewish Libraries. 

WHC Books is a lively and stimulating book group which meets four times a year to discuss 

Jewish-themed books. The reading list for 2011-2012 is provided below, and we invite you 

to join us. 

Jewish Book Month Shabbat is 

an annual Friday night program 

for all congregants that includes a 

Shabbat service, a traditional Friday 

night dinner, and a presentation 

from a Jewish author. Save 

the date for this year's Jewish 

Book Month Shabbat — Friday, 

December 2. 

LEARN MORE 

& VOLUNTEER: 

Ellen Share, Librarian 

eshare@whctemple.org 

301-354-3212 

Fistful of Shekels 

WHC's Israel Investment Club 

WHC’s Fistful of Shekels (FOS) Israel Investment Club is for members who are interested in 

supporting Israel through buying stock in Israeli companies. It is also an interesting way to 

learn more about Israel’s economy and about investments. 

The club meets quarterly for dinner and socializing, 

and to discuss our portfolio and investing. A professional 

advisor is available for advice and research. 

We also periodically have speakers on relevant topics. 

FOS welcomes new members and invites your inquiries. 

We have changed our procedures to make it easy 

and inexpensive for new members to participate. Join 

us and feel good about investing in Israel! 

JOIN US FOR BOOK CLUB 

AT TEMPLE: 

11/1 Nemisis, by Philip Roth 

12/6 Those Who Save Us, by Jenna Blum 

3/6 To Jerusalem and Back, by Saul Bellow 

5/8 The Gift of Rest: Rediscovering the Beauty 

of the Sabbath, by Senator Joe Lieberman 

These books can be ordered at Amazon.com. By 

accessing the website through WHC's Mitzvah Mall 

(whcmitzvahmall.org), you will also support WHC's 

youth programs. 

LEARN MORE: 

Richard London, Chair 

rdlondon@aol.com 

301-340-0640 



202-895-6303

Israel Engagement 

Connecting to the Jewish People in Israel & Worldwide 

The security, vitality and improvement of the State of 

Israel and Jewish communities worldwide are essential 

to us as Jews and Americans. The Congregation is 

committed to enabling all our members, and especially 

our youth, to connect with our Jewish family in Israel 

through a variety of programs – including education, 

culture, advocacy and travel. We welcome your participation 

in the important work of our committee throughout 

the coming year. 

Kol Rinah 

WHC's Adult Choir 

Practice! Learn! Laugh! Sing! This is Kol Rinah, our volunteer 

Temple choir. Lending our voices to the Yom Kippur 

Poetry & Music Hour and Friday night Sermons in Song, 

we practice every Wednesday night at 7:30 pm at the Julia 

Bindeman Suburban Center. Everyone is welcome. You 

don’t need an operatic voice, just a love of Jewish music. 

Go home with a song in your heart and on your lips. 

The Worship and Music Committee meets quarterly to examine 

and make recommendations about various aspects 

of the worship and music experience at Washington Hebrew 

Congregation. Working in collaboration with WHC’s 

clergy, the committee strives to support and enhance the 

spiritual experience of the Temple’s regular and holiday 

services as well as life-cycle events. The committee is 

also responsible for helping ensure that the worship and 

music components of WHC’s recent Long Range Strategic 

Plan are implemented. 

We not only welcome new members, but also seek input 

from all congregants on ideas and initiatives that may enrich 

the worship and musical dimensions of membership 

in our Congregation. 

LEARN MORE: 

Ken Krupsky, Co-chair 

kjkrupsky@gmail.com 

Susan Rosenblum, Co-chair 

susanrosenblum@verizon.net 

Layne Weiss 

lweiss@whctemple.org 

202-895-6307 

LEARN MORE: 



202-895-6309 

Worship & Music 

Supporting WHC’s Services, Life-Cycle Events 

and Musical Programming 

LEARN MORE: 

Jim Klein, Co-Chair 

jklein@abcstaff.org 

301-424-4004 

Sherri Gottlieb, Co-Chair 

ssgottlieb@comcast.net 

301-340-7979 



202-895-6309 

th Committee WHC Archives Friends of the Library/WHC Books Fistful of Shekels Israel Engagement K 


committees 

23 



hekels Israel Engagement Kol Rinah Worship & Music Member 2 Member Greeter Corps Interfaith Shalshe






committees 

24 

Member 2 Member & Greeter Corps 

Welcoming New & Existing Members to Our Temple Family 

Two easy ways to get involved in Temple life 

and meet other congregants 

Member 2 Member @ WHC is a program designed to welcome new congregants 

personally by matching them with current Temple members of similar interests and lifestyles. 

This program has been extremely successful in helping new members integrating into our 

large and diverse temple family. While the WHC mentor family acts as an important guide to 

new members, this is not intended to be a huge time commitment and typically involves a few 

phone calls and one get-together at Temple or elsewhere. 

Current Members: If you would like to meet and welcome new Temple members, 

please contact Nell Shapiro and we will send you additional information about the program. 

All members are welcome to participate; new members often have terrific ideas of 

ways to help others integrate into Temple life. 

Recently-Joined Members: If you joined WHC prior to 2010 but would like to be 

matched with a current member, please let us know! We recognize that while some recent 

members may already have become involved in Temple life, others would welcome some 

experienced guidance from an interested, current member. 

Greeter Corps helps welcome congregants to services on Shabbat. This group of 

volunteers is a friendly and warm presence in the lobby as they help create an inviting atmosphere 

when the Congregation gathers together to celebrate Shabbat. You can make a 

difference to all who enter the building by participating in our Greeter Corps. There is no minimum 

commitment — you are welcome to greet once every few months or on a more regular 

basis as your schedule and interest allow. Sign up is online, and training and guidance are 

provided. 

LEARN MORE 

Greeter Corps: 

Jean Schlesinger, Co-Chair 

jeanschlesinger@verizon.net 

Eleanor Seline, Co-Chair 

ebseline@mac.com 

LEARN MORE 

Member 2 Member: 

Nell Shapiro, Coordinator 

nellshapiro@aol.com 

301-652-7529 

Lindsay Fry, Membership Services Manager 

lfry@whctemple.org 

202-895-6321

Interfaith 

Supporting Interfaith Couples and Their Families 

The Interfaith Committee hosts events designed to support and welcome Washington Hebrew 

Congregation’s interfaith couples and their families. Our members share the specific challenges 

and rich rewards associated with creating Jewish households as interfaith families. 

Sundays at Seven: Judaism is both a religion and a culture. Each month we will explore 

a film with a Jewish theme and learn more about Jewish culture in the process. One of our 

rabbis will facilitate post-film discussions. Sundays at Seven is open to all Temple members. 

The Mothers Circle Mini-Course: The Mother's Circle is a three-session educational 

course developed by the Jewish Outreach Institute for non-Jewish moms raising Jewish children. 

This program offers a great opportunity to discover and learn about Judaism. More than 

just a class, The Mothers Circle offers a relaxed (no pressure to convert), small group setting 

for non-Jewish parents to support one another as they discover how to enrich their family’s 

Jewish experiences and deepen their connection to Judaism. Tuition is free. Non-Temple 

members are also welcome. 

Introduction to Judaism Course: Perfect for those considering conversion or marriage, 

interfaith couples, or anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of Judaism. 

Through classes, readings, and hands-on experience, this class becomes a true community 

of learners—developing a strong foundation for participating in Jewish life. 

We will continue to host social programs throughout the year including a Passover 101 program 

and our annual Interfaith Family Barbecue. 

Please contact Pam Bass at whcmotherscircle@gmail.com with program ideas or to add your 

name to our Interfaith mailing list to be notified of upcoming events. 

SUNDAYS AT SEVEN: 

October 23, Temple 

November 20, JBSC 

December 18, Temple 

January 22, JBSC 


February 26, Temple 

March 18, JBSC 

April 29, Temple 

June 3, JBSC 

www.whctemple.org/interfaith.htm 

Pam Bass, Co-Chair 

whcmotherscircle@gmail.com, 301-983-5240 

Lori Siegel, Co-Chair 

Lsiegel@syaninc.com, 301-320-8125 


mhumphries@whctemple.org, 202-895-6303 

th Committee WHC Archives Friends of the Library/WHC Books Fistful of Shekels Israel Engagement K 


committees 

25 



hekels Israel Engagement Kol Rinah Worship & Music Member 2 Member Greeter Corps Interfaith Shalshe






committees 

26 

Shalshelet 

Linking WHC's Young Adults to College Students & Grads 

For the past two years, WHC members have reached out to help our college juniors and 

seniors as the students consider their next steps after graduation. Providing guidance and 

insight, the mentors are available to the students as they create resumes, seek career and 

graduate school advice, and look for a sounding board and a friendly face. 

Forming their own shalshelet (chain) our mentors and college students communicate regularly, 

sometimes over the phone, sometimes in person – and sometimes via Skype or Facetime. 

Our mentors are accessible to our students and are able to create lasting relationships. 

Shalshelet is growing, and both mentors and college 

students are needed in order to continue this program. If 

you are a college junior or senior and would like a mentor, 

or if you are a WHC member in your 20s or 30s, living 

locally and interested in serving as a mentor, please 

contact us. 

Youth Committee 

Creating Opportunities for WHC's Youth 

LEARN MORE: 

Rabbi Joui Hessel 


301-354-3223 

WHC’s Youth Committee provides an invaluable resource to our Youth Department. These 

lay leaders work with our staff to ensure the highest possible quality of programming for the 

Congregation's youngest members. Committee members 

assist with major Youth Department events including the Purim 

Carnival and Clash of the Classes, and help spearhead 

fundraising opportunities that benefit our youth which include 

Junior ETY for 1 st & 2 nd graders, ETY for 3 rd & 4 th graders, 

Club 56 for 5 th & 6 th graders, Junior WHECTY for 7 th & 8 th 

graders and WHECTY for high school students. 

LEARN MORE: 

Ira Miller 

imiller@whctemple.org 

301-354-3209 

WHC Archives 

Preserving Washington Hebrew Congregation's History 

In 1856, President Franklin Pierce signed an Act of Congress incorporating WHC. Since its 

first planning meeting 159 years ago, our temple has played a leading role in the history of 

Jewish life in the District as well as in the nation. The members of the Archives Committee are 

dedicated to gathering, cataloging and preserving WHC’s 

life story and materials collection so that the tradition of 

Washington Hebrew can be passed down from generation 

to generation. Please join us in preserving our Temple's 

history. The committee is in need of a person with computer 

skills. 

LEARN MORE: 

Marla Banov 

mbanov@whctemple.org 

202-895-6311

adult 

learning 

"Laasok B'divrei Torah" 

Engage in the study of Torah

am Scholar Series Edlavitch-Tyser Family Relations Forum URJ Biennial WHC Academy Lunch & Learn Ba 

asics Shabbat Torah Study Wednesday Morning Study Parenting Workshops at JBSC Bereavement Supp 

up Amram Scholar Series Edlavitch-Tyser Family Relations Forum URJ Biennial WHC Academy Lunch & Lea 

k to Basics Shabbat Torah Study Wednesday Morning Study Parenting Workshops at JBSC Bereavement Su 

t Group Amram Scholar Series Edlavitch-Tyser Family Relations Forum URJ Biennial WHC Academy Lunch 


28 

Amram Scholar Series 

Thought-Provoking Programs for the WHC Community 

The Amram Scholar Series offers a dynamic program of free public lectures in which worldrenowned 

speakers, authors, scholars, political leaders, policy experts, and theologians share 

their perspectives on timely issues or their research into Jewish culture and history. 

In a year that has witnessed dramatic and sweeping change throughout 

the Middle East, three special Sunday morning lectures this fall will examine 

the uncertain situation facing Israel. We are proud to launch this 

series on October 16 at 10:30 am with Martin Indyk, Vice President and 

Director of the Foreign Policy Program at The Brookings Institution. A former 

United States Ambassador to Israel — he served from 1995–1997 and 

2000–2001 — he will speak on “Israel and the Arab Awakenings.” 

Second, on October 23, is Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amos Yadlin, who served the 

Israel Defense Forces for 40 years, the last five as head of IDF Defense Martin Indyk 

Intelligence. Currently the Kay Fellow on Israeli National Security at The 

Washington Institute for Near East Policy, he was a highly-decorated fighter pilot who participated 

in the 1981 raid that successfully destroyed the Osirak nuclear reactor in Iraq. Formerly 

Chief of the Air Staff and Deputy Commander of the Israel Air Force, General Yadlin brings 

extraordinary insight into Israel’s military challenges. 

With a journalistic account of the so-called Arab Spring, bestselling author 

Bruce Feiler returns to the Scholar Series on December 18 to discuss 

his latest book, Generation Freedom: The Middle East Uprisings and Remaking 

of the Modern World. Offering a vivid, behind-the-scenes portrait 

of history in the making, Mr. Feiler analyzes what the Arab Spring and 

the death of Osama Bin Laden mean for peace, terrorism, and relations 

among Muslims, Jews and Christians worldwide. 

The Amram Scholar Series is delighted to present again two important Amos Yadlin 

scholars who previously conducted multi-session study programs: Melvin 

I. Urofsky of Virginia Commonwealth University and Jacques Berlinerblau of Georgetown 

University. Professor Urofsky will discuss “Portraits from Three Acts of American Jewish History,” 

focusing on waves of Jewish immigration to the United States, on Tuesday evenings 

October 11, 18, and 25 at 7:00 pm. Professor Berlinerblau’s series, "Young Jewish-American 

Writers," is planned for winter. 

The WHC Journal, Friday’s Life@WHC e-newsletter and the Temple website 

will detail many further programs on intellectually stimulating topics 

throughout the year, and we urge you to join us for Theater J with the 

DCJCC & WHC (see page 58). 

LEARN MORE: 

Leslie Maitland, Chair 

lesliemaitland@gmail.com 

Layne Weiss 


202-895-6307 

Bruce Feiler

Edlavitch-Tyser Family Relations Forum 

Addressing Issues Confronting 21 st Century Families 

The Edlavitch-Tyser Family Relations Forum provides educational and entertaining programs 

throughout the year for family members of all ages. 

Alexandra Robbins, 

best selling author, "The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth" 

Opening our Forum series this year will be bestselling author Alexandra 

Robbins, who will speak about her latest book, “The Geeks Shall Inherit 

the Earth: Popularity, Quirk Theory, and Why Outsiders Thrive After High 

School,” at JBSC on Tuesday, October 18 at 7:00 pm. 

The New York Times has said, “Ms. Robbins has built her career giving 

voice and shape to the lives of teenagers....Their stories beautifully demonstrate 

things we know intrinsically: that being popular is not always the 

Alexandra Robbins 

same as being liked, that high school is more rigid and conformist than the military, and that 

the people who are excluded and bullied for their offbeat passions and refusal to conform are 

often the ones who are embraced and lauded for those very qualities in college and beyond 

— what Ms. Robbins has dubbed Quirk Theory.” 

Alexandra Robbins is the author of three New York Times best sellers, including "Pledged" 

and "The Overachievers." Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, 

The Washington Post, and other publications. The recipient of the 2007 Heartsongs Award 

for contributions to the mental health of children and young adults, Robbins has appeared on 

numerous television shows, including 60 Minutes, The Today Show, and Oprah. For more 

information contact Rachel Benperlas, rbenperlas@whctemple.org or 301-354-3223. 

Adam Braun, founder of "Pencils of Promise" 

As a college student backpacking across the globe, Adam Braun asked 

a small boy begging on the streets of India what he wanted most in the 

world. The answer — a pencil. When Adam reached into his backpack 

and handed the boy a pencil, he saw a wave of possibility wash over the 

child's face. Over the next five years, Adam backpacked through more 

than 50 countries, handing out thousands of pencils. Those pencils led to 

powerful conversations with local parents and children, and Adam realized 

that a different kind of educational system was needed. 

Adam Braun 

In 2008 with one $25 donation, Adam began Pencils of Promise (PoP). With the hope of building 

just one school, PoP set out to mobilize villages and local volunteers in an effort to create 

a greater educational opportunity. 

Pencils of Promise is now one of the fastest growing nonprofits in the country. They have 

built more than 25 schools in Laos, Nicaragua and Guatemala —with another 20 planned or 

in development — and trained young leaders to actions at home and abroad. 

Adam's presentation during our Shabbat service on Friday, January 6, 2012 at 6:00 pm is part 

of WHC's annual "Clash of the Classes" weekend. The entire Congregation is invited to join 

us for this special event, and all 8–12 graders will take part in a dinner with Adam following 

services. For more information, contact Ira Miller, imiller@whctemple.org or 301-354-3209. 




29 

ram Scholar Series Edlavitch-Tyser Family Relations Forum URJ Biennial WHC Academy Lunch & Learn Ba 

asics Shabbat Torah Study Wednesday Morning Study Parenting Workshops at JBSC Bereavement Suppo 

up Amram Scholar Series Edlavitch-Tyser Family Relations Forum URJ Biennial WHC Academy Lunch & Lea







30 

URJ Biennial 

Learn & Connect with Other Reform Jews 

Every other year, the Union for Reform Judaism brings 

together temple members from around the country 

for a weekend of workshops, worship and fellowship 

that’s best described as Jewish camp for adults. This 

year that event – the North American Biennial – will 

take place from December 14-18, at the Gaylord National 

Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. 

5,000 Reform Jews are expected to come together in December for workshops on synagogue 

life and Jewish education, learning sessions on Torah and text, a giant Judaica expo, 

musical entertainment, and the most moving Shabbat you’ll ever experience. The last time 

the Biennial was held in Washington was 1961, so this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience 

for many of us. 

Washington Hebrew Congregation is honored to be a host congregation for this year’s Biennial, 

and that means congregants can participate in this rewarding event in multiple ways: 

• register to attend the entire weekend, and/or 

• volunteer to help out for a three-hour shift and then stay for the day at no cost! 

JOIN THE FUN & 

VOLUNTEER! 

www.urj.org/biennialvolunteer 


www.urj.org/biennial 

Lauren Racoosin 

Chair, Biennial Local Arrangements Committee 

samlar@comcast.net 

WHC Liaisons to the Local Arrangements Committee: 

Joan Churchill, churchil@erols.com 

Elissa Oshinsky, mitzvahmommy@aol.com 

Jon Westin, jon@jwestin.com 

Madge Novel 

mnovel@whctemple.org 

202-895-6314

WHC Academy 

Monday Nights at Temple for All WHC Adults 

Building on the success of our Back to Basics, L'Chayim, and other adult education programs, 

WHC is excited to introduce a new opportunity for in-depth adult study. Monday evenings at 

Temple, our rabbis and educators will offer multiple short-term and longer-term courses, designed 

to inform and enrich the lives of Jewish adults. Join us for meaningful Jewish learning 

and community! 

Adult Hebrew, 7:00 – 8:00 pm 

Designed for adults who already have some ability to read the Hebrew alphabet, this course 

offers an introduction to Hebrew as a language. In the course of this class, you will begin to 

UNDERSTAND the language of the prayer book and the Bible. 

Mini-Courses, 7:00 – 8:00 pm 

The Jewish Internet, Reform Judaism and Israel, Untangling Rabbinic Texts, Jewish Poetry… 

and many more! WHC rabbis, cantors, and educators will teach short-term courses on a wide 

variety of topics. 

Beyond Basics, 8:15 – 9:15 pm 

Taught by Rabbi Fabricant, this semester-long course will be an opportunity for deep and sophisticated 

engagement with a selected Jewish topic. Jewish Prayer, Rabbinic Texts, Modern 

Jewish History — take your Jewish knowledge to the next level! 

Introduction to Judaism, 7:00 – 9:15 pm 

Perfect for those considering conversion or marriage, interfaith couples, or anyone interested 

in learning the fundamentals of Judaism. Through classes, readings, and hands-on experience, 

this class becomes a true community of learners—developing a strong foundation for 

participating in Jewish life. 

LEARN MORE 

& JOIN US: 

Classes begin Monday, 10/17 



202-895-6303 

Lunch & Learn 

Take a Break During Your Day to Connect to Judaism 

Last year Rabbi Lustig and Rabbi Fabricant led a series of lunchtime discussions at a downtown 

location on key debates and current events in the Jewish world. Again this year, we are 

planning a series of study sessions for WHC members and guests who live or work downtown. 

For location and schedule information, see the soon-to-be-released WHC Adult Education 

brochure or contact Layne Weiss, lweiss@whctemple.org. 




31 










32 

Back to Basics 

A Judaism Course for Adults 

Back to Basics, a course designed for adults, covers the fundamentals of Judaism for those 

who missed the opportunity to learn as children or who would like a “refresher.” Under the 

guidance of Gerdy Trachtman, our retired Religious School Associate Principal, students will 

explore the principal ideas of Judaism through the lens of Jewish texts, life cycle events, holidays, 

prayers, Jewish history, theology, and much more. Each class will begin with Hebrew 

reading instruction, and for those who are interested, our course will culminate in an adult 

B’nai Mitzvah. Students who prefer not to take Hebrew can opt 

to attend only the lectures and discussions. 

Back to Basics is a four-semester course which started last year, 

but since new ideas are discussed in every class, new students 

are always welcome to join us. Classes are held both at Temple 

and at JBSC. 

Shabbat Torah Study 

Saturday Mornings at Temple 

Every Shabbat morning, an enthusiastic group gathers at 

Temple to study parashat hashavua, the Torah portion of 

the week. Led by one of the rabbis, we analyze, question, 

and reflect on Judaism’s central text. The group meets on 

Saturdays from 9:00 – 10:00 am. All are welcome and no 

background is necessary. 

Wednesday Morning Study 

Join Us as We Study "Unusual Jewish Texts" 

LEARN MORE: 

Gerdy Trachtman 

gerdyt@erols.com 

301-762-6994 

LEARN MORE: 

Layne Weiss 


202-895-6307 

Our Wednesday Morning Study meets each week at Temple from 10:00 –11:30 am. Each 

fall and spring, we choose a new topic in Jewish text or thought — Genesis, Isaiah, the Haggadah, 

Jewish Arts. 

This fall, we will look at “unusual Jewish texts" — examples 

of the magical, unexpected, and just plain peculiar 

in Jewish texts both ancient and modern. The fall 

semester will begins on Wednesday, October 19. 

LEARN MORE: 



202-895-6303

Parenting Workshops at JBSC 

Friday Mornings for Parents of Preschoolers 

We have some new opportunities for parents of young children to ask questions and get 

some sound advice from the experts — Jessica Kramer and Susan Richman from Bethesda 

Counseling Associates and Rabbi Susan Shankman, herself the parent of a preschooler, in a 

series of parenting workshops and "drop-in and ask us anything" groups. 

JOIN US AT 9:30am, JBSC: 

Workshops: 

10/7 Discipline Without Punishment 

11/11 When Should I Worry 

12/9 Parenting the Spirited Child 

1/13 Whimpering, Wailing & Whining 

2/17 Discipline Without Punishment 

"Ask Us Anything" Drop-In: 

10/21 • 12/16 • 2/24 • 3/16 • 4/27 • 5/18 

Bereavement Support Group 

A New Group to Begin on November 8 

Grief can be devastating. Basic beliefs are challenged, emotions can feel out of control, energy 

is depleted. It is known that shared experience and education can be helpful during bereavement. 

Washington Hebrew Congregation's Bereavement Support Group provides mutual 

support and education to those who have experienced a loss within the last 18 months. 

This is a small group program, limited to eight participants. 

The program, sponsored by the Edlavitch-Tyser Family Relations Forum recognizes each 

person's unique way of grieving and provides a confidential and respectful environment for 

the bereaved to explore his or her feelings, to begin working through complex issues of loss, 

and start to heal. The group will be facilitated by Phyllis Sharlin, LCSW. 

WHC's six-week Bereavement Support Group will be held at Temple on Tuesdays from 

November 8 – December 13 at 7:00 pm. 

An application, due by Friday, October 28, and an initial meeting with Ms. Sharlin are necessary 

prior to joining the group. Please contact Layne Weiss for more information and an 

application. 

JOIN US: 

Tuesdays, 11/8 – 12/16, 

7:00 pm at Temple 

LEARN MORE: 



202-895-6303 

LEARN MORE: 

Layne Weiss 


202-895-6307 




33 




tikkun 

olam 

"Tzedek, tzedek tirdof — Justice, justice shall you 

pursue, that you may live" 

Deuteronomy 16:18

Social Justice Center Fund 

Providing Opportunities to Inspire Tikkun Olam 

Washington Hebrew Congregation created the Social Justice Center Fund to honor Rabbi 

M. Bruce Lustig’s 25 th Anniversary as our rabbi and invites your participation. 

Since our founding before the Civil War, Washington Hebrew Congregation has been a beacon 

of faith and a center of community and family. For 25 years, Rabbi Lustig has actively 

engaged us in the needs and rewards of social action. He created Mitzvah Day, which is now 

a national model, and continuously expands our year-round community service opportunities. 

This strengthens the Temple locally and nationally while reinforcing congregants’ ties to their 

Judaism and one another. Rabbi Lustig recognizes that tikkun olam resides in each of us. The 

WHC Social Justice Center will give us tools to further galvanize members of all ages. 

“How do we fight indifference By inspiring a generation to care for others. 

A generation who will not stand idly by the blood of another, who cares 

about others, their pain and needs. This was the concept behind my creation 

of Mitzvah Day – to allow us the opportunity as a congregation to 

show our children we can make a difference in the life of another.” 

— Excerpt, Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig at 25th Anniversary Shabbat 

WHC places social justice engagement as the centerpiece of Temple culture. The Social 

Justice Center Fund will expand the number of programs and member involvement in numerous, 

worthwhile initiatives. New projects will increase opportunities for members of all ages 

to interact as they are involved in local, national and international needs and projects. The 

Social Justice Center will provide tools to further inspire the tikkun olam in each of us. 

“Many times a day, I realize how much my own outer and inner life is 

built upon the labors of my fellow man, both living and dead, and how 

earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have 

received”. 

—Excerpt, Albert Einstein 

It is our honor to serve as Chairs to begin the funding of the Social Justice Center. We hope 

that each member of Washington Hebrew Congregation, in his or her own way, will help us to 

achieve tikkun olam – repairing the world – by contributing to the Social Justice Center Fund. 

Please respond to our forthcoming appeals. 

In friendship, 

Ginny Edlavitch Albert H. Small Jr. Jeffrey Weiss 

Social Justice Center Fund Co-Chairs 

vah Day WHC Mitzvah Mall SCRIP Contributions Social Justice Center Fund Abram Simon School Car 

on House Caring Committee Community Issues/Social Action Minds Matter Mitzvah Day WHC Mitzvah M 

tikkun olam 

35 

ial Justice Center Fund Abram Simon School Carrie Simon House Caring Committee Community Issue 

ial Action Minds Matter Mitzvah Day WHC Mitzvah Mall SCRIP Contributions Social Justice Center Fu 

am Simon School Carrie Simon House Caring Committee Community Issues/Social Action Minds Mat

ial Justice Center Fund Abram Simon School Carrie Simon House Caring Committee Community Issues/Soc 

ion Minds Matter Mitzvah Day WHC Mitzvah Mall SCRIP Contributions Social Justice Center Fund Abram Sim 

ool Carrie Simon House Caring Committee Community Issues/Social Action Minds Matter Mitzvah Day WH 

vah Mall SCRIP Contributions Social Justice Center Fund Abram Simon School Carrie Simon House Car 

mmittee Community Issues/Social Action Minds Matter Mitzvah Day WHC Mitzvah Mall SCRIP Contributio 

tikkun olam 

36 

Abram Simon School 

Providing Support and Aid for a School in Need 

For the past 20 years, WHC congregants have volunteered their time, enthusiasm and financial 

support to the Abram Simon Elementary School, a DC public school named after our second 

senior rabbi. Volunteers work closely with the school’s principal, Dr. Adelaide Flamer, to 

tailor programs that respond to the needs of the school. This partnership has flourished over 

the years and we can always use new volunteers. The committee’s agenda for 2011 – 2012 

will include the following programs: 

Book Buddies is a highly structured, volunteer reading program that the WHC Abram 

Simon committee introduced to the school in 2007. Over the years, the program has grown 

to include 20 volunteers who work one-on-one with first and second graders on a weekly 

basis. Book Buddies is unambiguously successful, as demonstrated by the improved reading 

scores. This year we want to expand the program to help even more students. We are 

looking for six volunteers to be part of this effort. The only requirement for volunteers is a 

good sense of humor and the ability to find an afternoon once a week or every other week to 

commit to the kids at Simon. We will conduct training sessions early in the school year, and 

since we work in teams, car-pooling is easy. What are you waiting for Become part of the 

solution—one little reader at a time! 

Send a Kid to Camp: The importance of a camping experience is well known to our own 

congregants. The lessons learned away from home and school are often ones that stay with 

us the longest. This past summer WHC sent 40 Simon students to a one-week overnight 

camp at Camp Moss Hollow. Volunteers organized information sessions, arranged for physicals, 

assisted in filling out forms, and set up transportation for the students to and from the 

camp. WHC congregants and B’nai Mitzvah students did their part by donating generously to 

the WHC Abram Simon Camp Fund. Your donations are needed and welcome! 

Simon Fun Fair: Since 2005, WHC and the school have co-sponsored an end of year “Fun 

Fair” in lieu of a traditional Mitzvah Day project. Principal Flamer explained that she did not 

have any budget for a school-wide party and felt that WHC’s assistance in this activity would 

benefit the students greatly. This past year WHC provided a face painter, DJ, balloon artist 

and climbing wall, and we hosted numerous craft tables and carnival games. All this project 

requires is some time on a June afternoon to supervise a craft project or carnival game for the 

students. Please consider helping out at the Simon school in June 2012. 

A “Virtual” Committee: In many respects this is a virtual committee since so many congregants 

spontaneously find ways to be included. There are so many ways WHC congregants 

have found to enhance the educational experience at Simon. Come and add your voice. 


Mary DeOreo, Chair 

marydeoreo@hotmail.com 

Layne Weiss 

lweiss@whctemple.org or 202-895-6307

Carrie Simon House 

Providing a Home for Women & Children in Need 

For more than two decades, Carrie Simon House (CSH) has provided a safe and supportive 

home for homeless young women and their babies. CSH gives young mothers between the 

ages of 18 and 25 a stable place to live while they conclude their schooling or job training 

and helps these women prepare for independent and productive lives. Committee members 

act as mentors to the residents, plan cultural outings, work on fundraising, manage house 

maintenance, supervise donations to the house, and much more. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP… 

Volunteer: Become a member of our committee! We welcome anyone interested in volunteering 

on a regular basis or who has a special skill (e.g. nutrition, financial literacy, parenting 

expertise) that they would like to share with house residents on a one-time basis. Please join 

us if you’re interested in becoming involved in this rewarding (and fun!) committee. 

Buy SCRIP: SCRIP are gift cards WHC purchases from major retailers such as Giant, 

Starbucks, and CVS at a discount and resells at face value to Congregants. SCRIP subscribers 

pay no extra money for the cards they receive each month, and the purchase of the 

cards generates regular monthly income for the house. To learn more about ordering SCRIP, 

please see page 57. 

Donate: Temple members can support CSH most directly through monetary donations. 

One hundred percent of all donations goes toward the considerable operating costs of the 

house and toward special projects. Temple members may also donate select, gently-used 

items such as clothing, toys, and furniture. Bins for these items are now located in the coat 

closet off the Temple lobby and in the lobby of JBSC. 

LEARN MORE: 

Janet Katz, Chair 

katzfam3@yahoo.com 

301-299-3612 



202-895-6303 

JOIN US: 


September 14 

October 19 

November 30 

January 11 

February 8 

March 14 

April 18 

June 6 



tikkun olam 

37 









tikkun olam 

38 

Caring Committee 

Reaching Out to Our Temple Members 

WHC’s Caring Committee is dedicated to reaching out to our 

Temple community, especially during times of sickness or 

special need, including 

• Coordinating rides to Temple events and medical appointments, 

• Calling and/or visiting those who are temporarily or 

permanently home-bound, 

• Dropping off meals and lending a hand to members who 

need help with shopping, 

Zechariah 7:9 

• Baking and delivering "caring kugels" for families sitting shiva. 

We also extend our hand to congregants celebrating life cycle events. We write personal 

notes of congratulations to new parents as well as notes of condolence after a recent death 

and on the first yahrtzeit to those who have lost a loved one. In addition, we work with other 

WHC committees on programs that can help both our members and the community at large. 

The Caring Committee is a place where we hope all Temple members can comfortably turn 

when they need a helping hand for any reason. 

Communicate with us. If you or another Temple member you know needs some extra 

support or is celebrating a special event, please let us know. You can email us at our confidential, 

clergy-read email, caringcommittee@whctemple.org or you can call Cantor Bortnick 

directly, 202-895-6353. All information will be held in strict confidence, but without your help, 

we may never know that someone is in need. 

Become part of our volunteer network. As a member of our volunteer network, you’ll 

be on the list of people notified when help is needed. Then, you can determine if you’re able 

to assist in that situation. Add your name to the network list by using the contact information 

below. 

We hope you’ll take advantage of this opportunity to help and to be helped by Temple members 

who truly care. 

LEARN MORE: 

Nancy Minkoff, Chair 

nanminkoff@gmail.com 

Confidential Caring Committee Email Address: 

caringcommittee@whctemple.org 



202-895-6309 

. 

Show kindness and compassion to each other. 

 

 

 

 

W

Community Issues/Social Action 

Bringing Social Justice Activities to the Congregation 

The Community Issues/Social Action Committee welcomes everyone who has any interest in 

social justice issues. Our committee is engaged with issues of Tikkun Olam — with this year's 

discussions focusing specifically on issues facing immigrants in our community and what we 

can do to help. Whether you want stimulating discussion of major issues or direct involvement 

in projects and activities, we hope you will join us. 

The CI/SA Committee sponsors interfaith dialogue and learning events, including dinners and 

lectures, with members of other religious communities that emphasize our common goals 

and concerns. We present lectures on social action issues and organize the Congregation’s 

participation in rallies and demonstrations on issues that we, as a congregation, support— 

including the 9/11 Unity Walk, Rally Against Genocide in Darfur, and vigils at the Sudanese 

Embassy. Closer to home we provide both on-going and one-time opportunities to aid the 

vulnerable in our community. The Second Sunday cooking project, through which Temple 

members provide meals for the homeless in Montgomery County, is one such opportunity. 

Members of the committee are the Congregation’s liaisons with religious and social service 

organizations in the community, bringing information to the Congregation and our voice to the 

community. The committee also plans several major annual congregational events, including 

the Martin Luther King Shabbat and Work Day and the Interfaith Freedom Seder. These 

events bring churches and mosques from all over the metropolitan area to Washington Hebrew 

to celebrate our common experience and to further tolerance and understanding. 

GET INVOLVED: 

CI/SA meets the second Monday 

of every month at 7:00 pm at 

Temple to discuss topical social 

justice issues and plan WHC's 

major social action events. We 

hope you will join us! 

LEARN MORE: 

Joan Greenbaum, Chair 

jsgrnbm@verizon.net 

Layne Weiss 


202-895-6307 

JOIN US FOR MAJOR EVENTS: 

1/13 Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Shabbat Dinner & Service 

1/16 MLK Work Day 

4/11 Freedom Seder 



tikkun olam 

39 









tikkun olam 

40 

Minds Matter 

Share Your Expertise 

Minds Matter is a program for WHC members who have an 

expertise they would like to share with non-profit organizations 

in the metropolitan area. Working in small teams with 

other Temple members, volunteers typically give 3-5 hours 

of their time per month for approximately 4-6 months to help 

non-profit organizations achieve their missions more effectively. 

Minds Matter has just completed its third successful year and 

is now looking to you to broaden its volunteer base. Past projects 

have included board development for The Arc of NoVa 

and Iona Senior Services; lawyers working with the Legal 

Clinic for the Homeless; strategic planning for the Helen 

Hayes Awards; and internal projects for WHC. The four avenues 

of consulting for non-profits are: board development, 

strategic planning, restructuring, and fundraising strategy assessment. Individuals with business 

and/or non-profit backgrounds and experience are especially needed. Previous consulting 

experience is not necessary as training will be provided. 

Volunteers in our group report tremendous satisfaction and ease of participation and are 

grateful to be involved in building our community in a positive manner. Meeting and making 

new friends among fellow congregants is an added benefit that has been particularly rewarding 

for our volunteers. 

We invite you to join us in this exciting, fulfilling and worthwhile endeavor. Your level of commitment 

is up to you. There is no long term obligation, but we need to hear from you by 

October 17 to include you in this year's projects. Please contact one of the Minds Matter 

coordinators, Joan Greenbaum or Bobby Lipnick for more information or to volunteer. 

LEARN MORE: 

Joan Greenbaum, Coordinator 

jsgrnbm@verizon.net 

301-320-2435 

Bobby Lipnick, Coordinator 

rnlipnick@aol.com 

202-223-1080, ext. 105 

Layne Weiss 


202-895-6307

Mitzvah Day — April 22, 2012 

WHC's Signature Community Service Event 

In 1991, WHC began what has become a model for synagogues nationwide. Over the years, 

WHC has fostered relationships with hundreds of area agencies that serve people in need. 

On Mitzvah Day, generations of family members perform mitzvot, making a difference in the 

community. WHC volunteers – young and old – play bingo with the seniors at the Hebrew 

Home; Kol Rinah leads Ring House residents in a sing-along; congregants bring their gentle, 

cuddly dogs for a visit at Landow House; and young children decorate crafts for all the residents. 

Other volunteers help refurbish apartments for Yachad’s Jewish response to affordable 

housing; blood donors give the gift of life, realizing that one single blood donation can 

save up to three lives, and volunteers open their mouths for Swab a Cheek Save a Life. In 

one way or another, nearly one thousand volunteers show that together, in the spirit of tikkun 

olam, we can help live up to the commandment to help make a difference in our world. Watch 

for your opportunity to sign up for one of forty projects that can impact your life and the lives 

of others. 

JOIN US: 

11/2 Planning meeting at Temple, 

7:00 pm (all are welcome!) 

1/11 Team Leader meeting at JBSC, 

7:00 pm 

3/14 Planning meeting at JBSC, 7:00 pm 

(all are welcome!) 

4/21 Unload the trailers at JBSC, 10:00 am 

(all are invited to help!) 

4/22 Mitzvah Day at 9:30 am! Note: Religious 

School will not be held on Mitzvah Day so 

all may participate. 


www.whctemple.org/mitzvahday 

Linda Adams, Co-chair 

adblatt@msn.com 

Beth Dubin, Co-chair 

bedubin@yahoo.com 

Anne Friedman, Mitzvah Day 

coordinator (Contact Anne to join 

the Mitzvah Day Committee or to 

volunteer to be a Team Leader) 

annefriedman@aol.com 

301-294-0142 



tikkun olam 

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tikkun olam 

42 

WHC Mitzvah Mall 

Shop Online and Do a Little Mitzvah All Year Long 

Now in its fifth year, the WHC Mitzvah Mall enables WHC supporters to shop at amazon. 

com, while generating funds to support the Temple’s Youth Programs. When you use whcmitzvahmall.org 

to access all the same products you would typically buy at amazon.com, the 

Temple receives a commission on almost every item purchased — even gift cards — all at no 

additional cost to you! 


www.whcmitzvahmall.org 

Ira Miller, Director of Informal Education 

imiller@whctemple.org or 301-354-3209 

SCRIP 

Support for the Carrie Simon House 

Do you shop at Starbucks, CVS, Giant or Peapod 

Use SCRIP (store gift cards) to pay for all of your purchases. 

The Carrie Simon House — and the mothers and their babies who reside there— depends on 

profits from the sale of SCRIP. You can help — with no extra cost to you — by using SCRIP to 

pay for whatever you buy…groceries, household supplies, health and beauty needs, magazines, 

postage stamps, coffee…you name it! 

Simply sign up for SCRIP, mail us a check (or use electronic payments from your bank), and 

we will send you gift cards that you can use just like cash at the stores where you already 

shop. Most of the current participants subscribe and receive the gift cards monthly. SCRIP 

also makes a great gift! 

ORDERING SCRIP IS EASY: 

www.whctemple.org/scrip.htm 

Contact Marcie Mishkin, Coordinator 

whcscrip@gmail.com 

301-983-1091 

Include: 

• Store name(s) — Giant, Peapod by Giant, CVS 

and Starbucks 

• Dollar amount(s) you wish to purchase, in $25 

increments 

• Your name, address, phone number & email address 

We will contact you to set-up your account. 

SHOP AT SAFEWAY: 

CSH also benefits when you 

shop at Safeway! No SCRIP 

needed — simply provide 

Marcie Mishkin with your 

Safeway Club Card number.

Contributions 

Helping Sustain WHC for Generations to Come 

Nobody is ever impoverished through the giving of charity. 

– Maimonides 

Washington Hebrew Congregation depends on your generous gifts to foster our most precious 

resource, meaningful relationships—with our faith, our community and one another. 

Each gift to Washington Hebrew Congregation reflects your dedication to facilitate these relationships, 

through our inspirational worship services, excellent educational opportunities for 

students of all ages and interests, extensive social action programs, and exceptional Jewish 

cultural programs. Most importantly, your support offers the benefits of membership to all who 

wish to join, regardless of income. 

Our staff is here to help donors advance their personal financial and philanthropic goals while 

supporting the Congregation’s programs and services. The simplest way to support Washington 

Hebrew Congregation is through a gift of cash or check, which enables the Temple to 

benefit from the full value of your gift and may provide the donor with a tax benefit as well. 

Additionally, the Congregation welcomes gifts of stock. It is surprisingly simple to make a gift 

of securities. As a 501(c)3 public charity, the Congregation is also eligible for contributions 

made through a foundation or from donor-advised funds. 

By making a Planned Gift to Washington Hebrew Congregation, you have the ability to shape 

the future of our Temple through the financial and estate planning decisions you make today. 

There are many options which can enable you to make a meaningful gift, satisfy your financial 

concerns and offer you significant tax advantages. 

Your generosity helps strengthen what we already do and makes our possibilities even 

greater. Every gift given to Washington Hebrew Congregation makes a difference! 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 

Steven Jacober, Executive Director 

sjacober@whctemple.org 

202-895-6310 

We recommend you consult your 

legal or financial professional 

about the benefits of planned 

giving to Washington Hebrew 

Congregation. 



tikkun olam 

43 




schools 

and camps 

"Vishinantam L'vanecha" — You shall 

teach them diligently to your children. 

Deuteronomy 6

Early Childhood Centers & Primary School 

Building the Foundation for a Child's Education 

For over 30 years, WHC has had an exceptional and innovative 

preschool. We offer the best of Jewish content with appropriate 

early childhood social, emotional, and cognitive development 

programs at two locations — the Rabbi Joseph Weinberg Early 

Childhood Center and WHC Primary School at the JBSC and 

the Edlavitch-Tyser Early Childhood Center at Temple. We welcome 

more than 400 children each year, ranging from 18 months 

to 6 years of age. 

Our classes are small and staffed with two full-time leaders 

allowing for lively instruction and individual attention. 

Our clergy, teachers and staff provide a wonderful Jewish 

environment for our children. The facilities are modern and 

spacious and include computer labs, art rooms, music rooms, science centers, and media 

centers. New playgrounds have stimulating equipment and ample shade and we have large, 

safe, open spaces for indoor play. 

Early Childhood Center programming is rich, varied and specifically designed to be 

developmentally-appropriate. Broad curriculum areas include science, social studies, reading 

readiness skills, language arts, mathematics concepts, and Jewish holidays and festivals. We 

strive to stimulate a child’s natural creativity and curiosity in a friendly group atmosphere. 

WHC Primary School is located at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center and is accredited 

by the Maryland State Department of Education. We provide an excellent academic and 

Jewish education to the earliest elementary learners, with two primary teachers in each class 

and content specialists. If interest is sufficient, we may progress to first and second grades. 

Applications for admission are available in late November and may be returned beginning in 

December. An application can be downloaded from our website or call us to have one mailed 

to you. Priority in admission is given to Temple members. 

JOIN US FOR A TOUR: 

RJWECC/WHCPS: E-T ECC: 

10/3, 9:30 am 10/5, 9:30 am 

10/5, 9:30 am 10/19, 9:30 am 

10/10, 9:30 am 11/4, 9:30 am 

10/12, 9:30 am 11/14, 9:30 am 

10/17, 9:30 am 

10/24, 7:30 pm 

10/27, 9:30 am 

11/2, 9:30 am 

Call to reserve your space! 


www.whcecc.org 

Phyllis Shankman 

Director of Early Childhood Education 

pshankman@whctemple.org 

301-279-7505 

Fran Miller, Director of the RJWECC 

fmiller@whctemple.org 

301-354-3208 

Nancy Cook, Director of the E-T ECC 

ncook@whctemple.org 

202-895-6346 

ters & Primary School Religious School Chai-Lights Camp Keetov & In the Beginning Early Childhood Cente 

rimary School Religious School Chai-Lights Camp Keetov & In the Beginning Early Childhood Centers & P 


45 

ly Childhood Centers & Primary School Religious School Chai-Lights Camp Keetov & In the Beginning Ea 

ldhood Centers & Primary School Religious School Chai-Lights Camp Keetov & In the Beginning Early Chi 

d Centers & Primary School Religious School Chai-Lights Camp Keetov & In the Beginning Early Childho


ldhood Centers & Primary School Religious School Chai-Lights Camp Keetov & In the Beginning Early Childho 

ters & Primary School Religious School Chai-Lights Camp Keetov & In the Beginning Early Childhood Cent 

rimary School Religious School Chai-Lights Camp Keetov & In the Beginning Early Childhood Centers 

ary School Religious School Chai-Lights Camp Keetov & In the Beginning Early Childhood Centers & Prim 


46 


Passing the Traditions of Our Faith to the Next Generation 

Washington Hebrew Congregation offers an innovative, experiential, 

and compelling religious educational program for our children 

to learn about Judaism and develop their sense of Jewish 

identity. Parallel programs are offered for children in grades 

K – 10 at both the Lehrman Religious School at Temple and 

at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center. 

Gan (Pre-K) The WHC Religious School Pre-K Gan is a pilot 

program at Temple, which will be held once a month (eight 

sessions in total). The Gan has a cooperative educational 

structure, combining parental involvement with professional 

teachers to ensure a strong adult:child ratio and a nurturing 

environment. The Pre-K Gan is child-centered and focused on 

building self esteem and Jewish identity through socialization 

and play. 

Primary Department (Grades K – 2) Students attend once a week from 9:30 am – 

noon on Sunday mornings at either JBSC or Temple. The program focuses on a love of being 

Jewish as well as developing a comfort with Judaism and the Temple. Music, art, drama, and 

Israeli dance programs complement the program in order to cultivate the many approaches 

our students utilize in their learning. A special Shabbat service and dinner for families and 

students is led by our second graders at each building once during the year. 

Grade 3 Students attend once a week from 9:30 am – noon on Sunday mornings at either 

JBSC or Temple. The morning is divided into Judaic Studies and Hebrew instruction, where 

students focus on decoding letters and vowels. Music, art, computer lab, and Israeli dance 

programs help enhance learning. A special Shabbat service and dinner for families (Siyum 

Sefer) is led by our third graders from both schools at Temple in the spring to celebrate the 

completion of the students' first Hebrew book. 

Grades 4 – 6 Our twice-a-week program begins, and students attend on Tuesday (JBSC) 

or Wednesday (Temple) afternoons from 4:30 – 6:00 pm in addition to Sunday mornings. Students 

begin to prepare for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah and combine learning Hebrew with other 

Jewish subjects, including Bible, Jewish life cycle, modern Israel and the American Jewish 

experience. Holidays and Jewish values are incorporated into each grade's experience to 

establish and maintain a spiral curriculum which also includes art, dance, music, games, 

and time in the computer lab. Special education classes are available upon consultation with 

Rabbi Hessel. 

Fourth graders participate in a special extended day “retreat” at JBSC in the fall and, with 

their families, host the Congregation at the Temple's Shabbat Purim celebration. Fifth graders 

lead a special Shabbat service and dinner for families at Temple after which the children 

sleepover. Sixth graders, participate in the Chaggigah (celebration) program, studying Israel 

through a choice of humanities subjects, including video/drama, journalism, cooking and art. 

They share what they've learned with younger grades, and create a special wax museum to 

be enjoyed by our community in the spring, in addition to a walking tour of Jewish Washington 

with their parents in the fall.


Passing the Traditions of Our Faith to the Next Generation 

Grade 7 This year consists of two semesters of Judaic Studies and one semester of Hebrew. 

Sunday morning's Judaic Studies sessions offer students the opportunity to debate Jewish 

ethics through a historical tour of Judaism — from the destruction of the Temple through today. 

The Hebrew program is offered mid-week during the first semester only, with an innovative 

program that allows students to progress at their own pace. Field trips, class-wide programs 

honoring upcoming B'nai Mitzvah, and a sleepover with a focus on social justice are some of 

the year's highlights that help students form a close, class-wide bond. 

Upper School (Grades 8 – 9) Students in these two years participate in one semester 

of weekly classes and one semester of three Retreat Weekends with our Director of Informal 

Education and members of the clergy. Students are exposed to issues surrounding the Holocaust, 

Jewish and personal identity, comparative religion, Israel and the Middle East, Jewish 

ethics as well as the Jewish perspective of love, sex and marriage. During these all-important 

adolescent years, teens are exposed to perspectives that help them solidify their Jewish 

identity as young adults. 

Confirmation (Grade 10) The pinnacle of our program is our tenth grade Confirmation 

year during which our students meet with our clergy on a weekly basis and grapple with 

significant Jewish theological issues. Among the highlights of the Confirmation year are the 

annual New York trip (September 23–25, 2011), the Confirmation Retreat (January 27–29, 

2012), and the Confirmation ceremony designed and led by the Confirmation Class (May 20, 

2012) at Temple. 


www.whcreligiousschool.com 

Rabbi Joui Hessel, Associate Rabbi and Director of Religious 

Education & Jewish Engagement 

jhessel@whctemple.org, 301-354-3223 

Suzanne Klein Davidson, Assistant Principal – JBSC 

sdavidson@whctemple.org, 301-354-3201 

Stephanie Tankel, Assistant Principal – Temple 

stankel@whctemple.org, 202-895-6338 

Ira Miller, Director of Informal Education & Upper School Coordinator 

imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209 

Dan Caplan, 7 th Grade Judaic Studies Coordinator 

capsfour@aol.com, 301-354-3223 

Rachel Benperlas, Assistant to Religious School and Rabbi Hessel 

rbenperlas@whctemple.org, 301-354-3223 

ters & Primary School Religious School Chai-Lights Camp Keetov & In the Beginning Early Childhood Cente 

rimary School Religious School Chai-Lights Camp Keetov & In the Beginning Early Childhood Centers & P 


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ldhood Centers & Primary School Religious School Chai-Lights Camp Keetov & In the Beginning Early Chi 

d Centers & Primary School Religious School Chai-Lights Camp Keetov & In the Beginning Early Childho


ldhood Centers & Primary School Religious School Chai-Lights Camp Keetov & In the Beginning Early Childho 

ters & Primary School Religious School Chai-Lights Camp Keetov & In the Beginning Early Childhood Cent 

rimary School Religious School Chai-Lights Camp Keetov & In the Beginning Early Childhood Centers 

ary School Religious School Chai-Lights Camp Keetov & In the Beginning Early Childhood Centers & Prim 


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Chai-Lights 

Post-Confirmation Program for 11 th and 12 th Graders 

We have a terrific opportunity for our post-Confirmation students to see WHC friends, spend 

time with clergy, and learn a little, too. Chai-Lights meets six times during the year at students' 

homes, and includes dinner, social time, and a fascinating discussion led by one of our clergy 

or educators. Each Chai-Light is self-contained, so join us as often as you like and are able. 

We can't wait to see you! 

Camp Keetov & In the Beginning 

A Summer of Fun & Learning for Young Children 

For 22 years, Camp Keetov and In the Beginning have been providing summers of fun and 

adventure for campers between the ages of two and five at both JBSC and Temple. 

Camp Keetov is a summer program for children ages 3–5. We emphasize playground and 

water fun, arts and crafts, music and creative movement, dramatics, nature study, cultural 

arts, and Jewish values and customs. For our older campers we offer KidZone — a program 

which brings professionals to our camp to teach specialized weeks of sports and cultural 

arts. At our JBSC location we also offer KidzAcademy — reading and math readiness taught 

by one of our Primary School teachers, and two offsite FieldTripz per summer. Each week at 

both camps, we bring in special programming, including petting zoos, science programs, puppet 

shows, musical productions and more. Every Friday the children celebrate Shabbat with a 

special Jewish story and songs along with a visit from one of the rabbis or cantors. 

In The Beginning is a summer program for two year olds. This unique program gives children 

new to camp and school an opportunity to become familiar with a school environment, 

establish a daily routine, and share in creative group play with other children, allowing for an 

easy, happy, and secure transition to their first school experience. 

Camp Keetov Tiny Tots, is a program designed for parents and their 16– to 21–month 

old children. Facilitated by our teachers, it is a wonderful introduction to our Early Childhood 

Centers — with an added splash of fun!! 

All camp groups are supervised by qualified teachers with the support of responsible, energetic 

counselors. Our low staff/camper ratio ensures the safety of the children and allows 

each child to receive the attention 

he/she deserves. 

JOIN US: 

JOIN US: 

Sundays from 6:00 – 8:00 pm 

10/2 • 11/6 • 12/4 • 2/12 • 3/6 • 5/6 

Applications will be available 

late fall/early winter. Camp 

begins June 18, 2012! 

LEARN MORE: 

Ira Miller 


301-354-3209 


www.whcecc.org/camp_home.htm 

Maxine Perlmutter, Camp Director, JBSC 

301-279-7505, mperlmutter@whctemple.org 

Lynne Bluestein, Camp Director, Temple 

202-895-6334, lbluestein@whctemple.org

youth 

activities 

"If I am not for myself, who will be for me" 

Pirke Avot 1:14

ior ETY (New!) ETY WHC Winter Camp Club 56 J.A.M. Junior WHECTY WHECTY College Student Connect 

AC High School Summit Junior ETY (New!) ETY WHC Winter Camp Club 56 J.A.M. Junior WHECTY WHEC 

lege Student Connection AIPAC High School Summit Junior ETY (New!) ETY WHC Winter Camp Club 

.M. Junior WHECTY WHECTY College Student Connection AIPAC High School Summit Junior ETY (Ne 

WHC Winter Camp Club 56 J.A.M. Junior WHECTY WHECTY College Student Connection AIPAC H 


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Junior ETY (New!) 

A First Youth Group Experience for 1 st & 2 nd Graders 

Junior ETY (Elementary Temple Youth) provides our 1 st and 2 nd graders their first 

taste of all the fun WHC's youth groups have to offer. Held at JBSC and Temple right after Religious 

School, the children will participate in fun activities, meet students from other classes, 

and get to know the Youth staff. Junior ETY is sure to leave a big smile on your child's face! 

ETY 

WHC's Youth Group for 3 rd & 4 th Graders 

ETY (Elementary Temple Youth) offers a wide range of fun, interactive programs for 

our 3 rd and 4 th graders; Being part of a youth group is a great way to discover how much fun 

Temple can be, make new friends and create great memories. Become an ETY member and 

receive a discount on each event, or register as an MVP and save even more. 

JOIN ETY: 

This year's programs will include: 

"tacos, tie dye & teddy bear 

making," pottery painting, a special 

program with the Washington 

Animal Rescue League, ETY 

Olympics, and more! 

Save these dates: 

10/2 • 11/6 • 1/8 • 2/26 • 4/15 

JOIN JUNIOR ETY: 

11/20 at JBSC 

3/18 at Temple 


www.whctemple.org/ety.htm 

Stacey Black, Assistant Director 

of Youth & Young Adult Programs 


301-354-3217 

WHC Winter Camp 

Something Different to Do This Winter Break 

Students in 3 rd – 7 th grades can join their friends for two incredible days during winter break. 

JOIN US: 

Tuesday, 12/27: Snow tubing 

Wednesday, 12/28: Baltimore adventure 

LEARN MORE: 

Stacey Black 


301-354-3217

Club 56 

WHC's Youth Group for 5 th & 6 th Graders 

Club 56 has an action-packed schedule of "late night" programs and field trips for WHC's 

pre-teens. Creating new friendships and experiencing Judaism in new ways — both inside 

and outside the Temple walls make Club 56 the place to be! 

JOIN CLUB 56: 

10/1: GaGa Tournament with 

DC-area temples 

10/16: Spy in the City at the Spy 

Museum 

11/5: Late Night with Club 56 

1/21: AJAX Amusements 

2/11: Late Night with Club 56 

4/14: Cosmic Bounce 


www.whctemple.org/club56.htm 

Stacey Black 


301-354-3217 

J.A.M. 

Jewish American Music — WHC's Show Choir 

In a fun and friendly environment led by Cantor Bortnick and WHC Song Leader Audrey Katz, 

3 rd – 7 th graders learn alternative Jewish music from the United States, Israel and around the 

world. Singers with a love of music (no prior experience is necessary) and guitar players who 

are interested in song leading are welcome! 

Join J.A.M. for two incredible opportunities: 

• On February 11 for a concert/sing-a-long with Rick Recht and area youth choirs at 

Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation 

• On March 16 – 17 for singing, learning and bonding at JBSC with youth choirs from 

Pennsylvania and Virginia. The event will culminate in a joint concert. 

JOIN US: 

We rehearse weekly after Hebrew School 

from 6:00 – 6:30 pm: 

• Tuesdays at JBSC or 

• Wednesdays at Temple 

LEARN MORE: 



202-895-6309 

.M. Junior WHECTY WHECTY College Student Connection AIPAC High School Summit Junior ETY (New 

WHC Winter Camp Club 56 J.A.M. Junior WHECTY WHECTY College Student Connection AIPAC Hi 


51 

ior ETY (New!) ETY WHC Winter Camp Club 56 J.A.M. Junior WHECTY WHECTY College Student Connecti 


lege Student Connection AIPAC High School Summit Junior ETY (New!) ETY WHC Winter Camp Club

ior ETY (New!) ETY WHC Winter Camp Club 56 J.A.M. Junior WHECTY WHECTY College Student Connect 


lege Student Connection AIPAC High School Summit Junior ETY (New!) ETY WHC Winter Camp Club 

.M. Junior WHECTY WHECTY College Student Connection AIPAC High School Summit Junior ETY (Ne 

WHC Winter Camp Club 56 J.A.M. Junior WHECTY WHECTY College Student Connection AIPAC H 


52 

Junior WHECTY 

WHC's Youth Group for 7 th & 8 th Graders 

Junior WHECTY keeps 7 th and 8 th grade students connected to Temple and friends during 

a busy time in their lives and gives them a sample of what's to come in senior youth group. 

JOIN US: 

10/1 GaGa Tournament (7 th grade) 

11/19 Dance 4 A Cause area-wide 

dance party (8 th grade) 

1/27–1/29 NFTY MAR-MAJYK 

3/10–3/11 Purim Carnival & 8 th grade 

"Lock-In" 

6/3 Amusement Park Trip! 

WHECTY 

WHC's High School Youth Group 

LEARN MORE: 

Stacey Black 


301-354-3217 

Washington Hebrew Congregation’s senior youth group, WHECTY, is the best way to have 

fun, make friends and gain leadership experience during your high school years. Make the 

best friends you have ever had spending time with great people, taking part in interesting 

programs, and eating out at good restaurants. WHECTY is also part of NFTY-MAR, our 

parent organization, and we participate in conventions throughout the year that bring together 

over 250 teens from the mid-Atlantic region. We invite all 9 th – 12 th graders to become 

WHECTY members and take part in the wide assortment of programs and opportunities we 

offer. WHECTY has never been better, and now is the time for you to be part of the amazing 

memories. 

JOIN US: 

10/10 Silver Diner fundraising event 

11/19 Dance 4 A Cause area-wide 

dance party 

1/6–7 Clash of the Classes 

3/10 – 11 Purim Lock-In & Carnival 

4/22 Mitzvah Day 

5/22 WHECTY Banquet 

6/3 Amusement park trip 

LEARN MORE 

& FIND US: 

www.whctemple.org/whecty.htm 

Ira Miller 


301-354-3209 

NFTY-MAR WEEKENDS: 

11/4 – 6: Fall Kallah in Durham, NC 

12/27 – 30: Winter Kallah at Capital Camps 

3/23 – 25: TheVent in Rockville, MD 

4/19 – 4/22: Spring Kallah at Camp Harlam 

WHECTY NIGHT OUT: 

Meet up at popular restaurants 

for good food and great friends! 

From 6:30 - 8:00 pm, for all WHC 

high school students (and starting 

in March, 8 th graders, too). 

Oct. 10 • Nov. 14 • Dec. 12 • Jan. 

30 • Feb. 27 • Mar. 19 • Apr. 30 

(Senior Send-Off)

College Student Connection 

Stay Connected to WHC 

Temple and Sisterhood have a long-standing tradition of helping college students stay connected 

to WHC by sending them special holiday care packages. We start a new mailing list 

every year. Please ensure your student is on this year's mailing list by sending us his/her 

current college address. 

College students can also stay connected through Facebook. Search for WHC College Connection 

to join the group and get the latest reunion and WHC news. High school seniors and 

juniors can join too — stay in touch with friends who have graduated and network with WHC 

students who attend colleges that interest you. 

Please complete and return this form to Ira Miller, Director of Informal Education, via mail: 

11810 Falls Road, Potomac, MD 20854, fax: 301-354-3200, or email: imiller@whctemple.org. 

College Student Connection 2011 – 2012 

Student’s name: ________________________________________________________ 

College/Year: __________________________________________________________ 

Address for packages: _____________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________________ 

Email address: _________________________________________________________ 

Cell phone:____________________________________________________________ 

Parent's name: _ ________________________________________________________ 

Parent's email address:____________________________________________________ 

AIPAC High School Summit 

Becoming an Effective Pro-Israel Political Activist 

WHC has been invited by AIPAC (the American Israel Public Affairs Committee) to participate 

with other select Jewish day schools, temples and teen leadership organizations in a High 

School Summit from November 6–8 in Washington, DC. The Summit's goal is to help students 

understand the US–Israel relationship and become effective pro-Israel political activists 

on their school campuses and beyond. Included in the conference is the opportunity to meet 

with and lobby congressional representatives. 

As the only Reform temple in the country that has been invited to participate, we are able to 

send up to ten 11 th and 12 th grade students at no cost. For more information, please contact 

Ira Miller, 301-354-3209 or imiller@whctemple.org. 

.M. Junior WHECTY WHECTY College Student Connection AIPAC High School Summit Junior ETY (New 

WHC Winter Camp Club 56 J.A.M. Junior WHECTY WHECTY College Student Connection AIPAC Hi 


53 

ior ETY (New!) ETY WHC Winter Camp Club 56 J.A.M. Junior WHECTY WHECTY College Student Connecti 


lege Student Connection AIPAC High School Summit Junior ETY (New!) ETY WHC Winter Camp Club

travel 

"Am Echad, Panim Rabot" 

— One People, Many Faces

Winter Trip to Israel for Teens 

A Service Learning Trip for WHC Teens 

LEARN MORE: 

WHC has a new travel opportunity in the works. Set for the 

winter break this trip will give teens the opportunity to earn up 

to 50 community service hours while experiencing an incredible 

travel adventure with Temple friends. 

Summer Family Trip to Israel 

Led by Rabbi Bruce & Amy Lustig 

From generation to generation, we pass on the love of Israel to our children. This special family 

trip provides the opportunity to share and experience the wonder of our ancient homeland. 

The trip accommodates all ages, from the youngest to the oldest. 

Our 18-day trip is planned for June 17 – July 4, 2012. While 

in Israel, we will celebrate with WHC families the B’nai Mitzvah 

of their children overlooking the ancient walls of Jerusalem, 

take a sail on the Red Sea, crawl through caves on an 

archeological dig, hike a hidden waterfall, float in the Dead 

Sea, have lunch in a Druze village and walk the alleyways of 

Jerusalem’s Old City. 

LEARN MORE: 

Layne Weiss 


202-895-6307 

Musical Journey to Germany & Israel 

Join Cantor Mikhail & Ema Manevich and Cantor Bortnick 

Connect with our history in a new and meaningful way on this journey of "Heritage and Healing" 

to Germany and Israel June 27 – July 11, 2012. Offered through the Cantors Assembly, 

Cantor Bortnick, Cantor Manevich and Ema Manevich 

will accompany you on this once-in-a-lifetime trip. From 

unique Shabbat moments to meetings with government 

officials, the experience will be filled with special moments. 

In addition to sightseeing, the trip will include concerts 

and lectures. 

Ira Miller 


301-354-3209 

LEARN MORE: 



202-895-6309 

Israel Trip for College Students (Free!) 

Summer WHC Birthright Trip with Rabbi Hessel 

Next summer, join Rabbi Hessel and college students from WHC and Temple Shaaray Tefilah 

in New York City for a Taglit-Birthright trip to Israel. The trip is planned for June/July 2012; 

specific dates will be announced in the fall with registration opening this winter. 

JOIN US: 

For registration information, email 


LEARN MORE: 

Rabbi Hessel 

301-354-3223 

ermany & Israel Israel Trip for College Students Winter Trip to Israel for Teens Summer Family Trip to Isra 

sical Journey to Germany & Israel Israel Trip for College Students Winter Trip to Israel for Teens Summ 

travel 

55 

ter Trip to Israel for Teens Summer Family Trip to Israel Musical Journey to Germany & Israel Israel Trip 

lege Students Winter Trip to Israel for Teens Summer Family Trip to Israel Musical Journey to Germany 

el Israel Trip for College Students Winter Trip to Israel for Teens Summer Family Trip to Israel Musical Journ

cultural 

arts 

"O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make 

a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation." 

Psalms 95:1

Concerts & Coffee Houses 

A New Way to Appreciate Music at WHC 

This year, WHC will host a series of concerts and coffee houses featuring musical styles and 

performers that will appeal to all ages. 

Josh Nelson, Saturday, 1/7 

2239, Couples Club and 4060 Connectors are invited to an acoustic, coffehouse-style 

concert at 7:00 pm at Temple with Josh Nelson, one of the 

most popular performers and producers in modern Jewish music. A multiinstrumentalist 

and songwriter, Josh's music is celebrated and integrated 

into the repertoire of congregations, camps and communities around the 

world. 

Florida Event, Sunday, 2/5 

Calling all "snowbirds" and Florida vacationers! Just when winter is settling in up north, we invite 

you to join WHC members and clergy in South Florida for a special gathering. Invitations 

will be mailed in December. If you have never attended a Florida event before, if you have 

moved, or do not receive an invitation, please contact Marla Banov, mbanov@whctemple.org 

or 202-895-6311. 

Shir La La — the Earth Worm Disco, Saturday, 2/4 

Earth Worm Disco is a musical playground for all of the little rock n’ 

rollers who love to sing and dance and who love our planet too! In 

the spirit of “School House Rock” and “Free to Be You and Me,” these 

clever, catchy songs are for children and parents alike. Join us at 

4:00 pm at JBSC. 

Danny Maseng, Sunday, 3/25 

One of the most popular and respected composers of contemporary liturgical 

and synagogue music, Danny Maseng — also a playwright, singer, 

writer— will give a cabaret-style performance at WHC as part of the Amram 

Scholar Series at 5:00 pm. 

Josh Nelson 

Shir La La 

Danny Maseng 

Yiddish Theater Concert, Thursday, 6/7 

A special concert at JBSC, featuring Cantor Manevich and Cantor Bortnick, celebrating our 

heritage through the gems from New York City's Second Avenue Yiddish theater district. 

certs & Coffee Houses Theater J with the DCJCC & WHC A Decade of Devotion…A Weekend of Celebrati 

certs & Coffee Houses Theater J with the DCJCC & WHC A Decade of Devotion…A Weekend 




cultural arts 

57

certs & Coffee Houses Theater J with the DCJCC & WHC A Decade of Devotion…A Weekend of Celebrat 




certs & Coffee Houses Theater J with the DCJCC & WHC A Decade of Devotion…A Weekend 

cultural arts 

58 

Theater J with the DCJCC & WHC 

Entertain, Enlighten and Enliven 

Through WHC's Amram Scholar Series the Temple is pleased to offer 

our members the opportunity to see performances from the Helen 

Hayes award-winning DCJCC Theater J and participate in innovative, 

thought-provoking post-performance discussions with 

our clergy and Theater J's artistic director, Ari Roth. 

Theater J's 2011 – 2012 season, "Brilliant Fictions, Shattering 

Facts," is a line-up of eight shows, including two world premiers 

and a new festival focused on cultivating work by local 

playwrights. These shows tells stories pulled from history that 

are deeply researched but give fresh voice for the purposes of 

clarifying, enlightening and lifting up. They are the marriage of fact 

and flight-of-fancy. 

Post-performance discussions will take place at the theater immediately following the performance 

on the dates noted below. 

The Theater J season, and our schedule of post-performance discussions includes: 

Imagining Madoff (August 31 – September 25); discussion with Rabbi Miller on 

September 21 at Theater J 

Parade (September 22 – October 30); discussion with Cantors Bortnick and Manevich on 

October 16 at Fords Theater. 

After the Fall (October 26 – November 27); discussion with Rabbi Lustig November 17 at 

Theater J. 

The Religion Thing (January 4 – January 29); discussion with Rabbi Fabricant on 

January 14 at Theater J. 

Electile Dysfunction: The Kinsey Sicks For President! (February 4 – 

February 19); discussion with Rabbis Lustig & Fabricant on February 15 at Theater J. 

New Jerusalem: The Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza (February 29 – April 

1); discussion with Rabbi Lustig on March 5 at Theater J. 

The Whipping Man (April 18 – May 20); discussion with Rabbi Shankman on April 25 at 

Theater J. 

The History of Invulnerability (June 6 – July 8); discussion with Rabbi Hessel on 

June 11 at Theater J. 

PURCHASE TICKETS 

& JOIN US: 

Discounted tickets are 

available for WHC members. 

Contact Layne Weiss at 

Temple for information. 

LEARN MORE: 

Layne Weiss 


202-895-6307

A Decade of Devotion… 

A Weekend of Celebration 

Join us as we honor 

Rabbi Joui Hessel, Rabbi Susan Shankman and Cantor Susan Bortnick 

for their 10 years of dedication to Washington Hebrew Congregation 

Shabbat Service and Festive Oneg 

Friday, December 9 at 7:00 pm at Temple — In recognition of the contributions 

of Rabbi Hessel, Rabbi Shankman and Cantor Bortnick, with an oneg hosted by 

WHC's Sisterhood. 

Concerts with Rick Recht 

Saturday, December 10 at 4:00 pm at JBSC — Celebrating Rabbi Shankman, this 

concert is for families with young children and will be followed by a Tot Havdalah 

service. It is hosted by the WHC's Couples Club and Early Childhood Centers. 

Sunday, December 11 at 10:30 am at JBSC — Celebrating Rabbi Hessel, this 

concert is for Religious School Students and their families. It is hosted by the 

WHC Religious School. 

From Bima to Broadway 

Sunday, December 11 at 5:30 pm at Temple — Celebrating her musical 

contributions, Cantor Susan Bortnick, along with Cantor Mikhail Manevich, has 

created a special December concert that will combine their voices with Cantor 

Mark Childs of Congregation B'nai B'rith, Santa Barbara, California; Cantor Jessica 

F. Epstein of Temple B'nai Avraham, Livingston, New Jersey; and Cantor Nancy 

Kassel of Temple Beth Tikvah, Roswell, Georgia.


202-362-7100 

www.whctemple.org

Life @ WHC - Washington Hebrew Congregation

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